Rod Liddle, The Spectator’s associate editor, has died at the age of 66.
Rod, who was also a columnist for the Sunday Times of London and Sun, died at the James Cook University hospital in Middlesbrough yesterday evening, following a short illness.
His children, Wilder, Tyler and Emmy said in a statement: “We’re all very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father. He raised us much as you might imagine, to be inquisitive, brave and always humorous. Even in hospital in the last few weeks, he consistently held the room and never let the awful situation show. He has left a legacy that we are all incredibly proud of, he will always be our guide on how to live an extraordinary life.”
Rod first began writing regularly for The Spectator in October 2002, following his departure as editor of the Today program. His first column for the magazine, entitled “Thought for the Day,” a nod to his previous role, was later rebranded as “Liddle Britain.” In the 24 years that followed, he has shocked, delighted and entertained The Spectator’s readers with columns and reviews that have lampooned and satirized the great and not-so-good.
In addition to his writing, Rod was a regular contributor to The Spectator’s podcasts, broadcasts and events. On YouTube, his interviews on politics, the royal family and the media have regularly pulled in hundreds of thousands of viewers. And in 2018, he became one of the few journalists capable of selling out the 2,300-capacity London Palladium as part of a Spectator in-conversation event – a sign of his enduring popularity with our readers.
More to follow…
Comments