The Spectator’s columnist and associate editor Rod Liddle has died aged 66. Tributes have poured in as his many dedicated readers have expressed their condolences. Here are the reactions so far.
Editor of The Spectator, Michael Gove:
Rod Liddle was a journalist of genius. In the tradition of Swift, Cobbett and Orwell, he was a satirist who found society’s most sensitive spots and made merciless fun of our follies. He was always fearless, could be achingly funny and while he had an adamantine core of principle he could also surprise. Because he was original – he thought for himself and never wanted anyone’s approval – he was special and brave.
In person, Rod was kind and gentle. He was an indulgent boss and brilliantly creative editor at the BBC and an always steadfast and generous colleague. He had a deep love of England, of its culture and in particular the common sense of its working class. He was also a master of the written word. He was very much loved by those who knew him. And no words we can summon can capture our loss.
The Spectator’s publisher, Freddie Sayers:
