Since becoming Spectator editor there was one observation I heard more often from readers than any other: ‘Rod is the first page I turn to every week.’ Whatever people’s politics, background or other interests, to be a Spectator reader was to love Rod. Rod did his best, of course, to be unloveable. At least in print.
Nothing, and no one, apart from possibly Millwall, was spared from his criticism. Savage, foul-mouthed, merciless. But also hilarious, superbly well-informed and honest. Above all honest.
There are all sorts of enlightened souls in and around journalism who pretend to that virtue. Who claim they are speaking truth to power, fearlessly holding authority to account, exemplifying the incorruptible virtues of the fourth estate, yadda, yadda…
Nothing and no one was spared from his criticism. Savage, merciless. But also hilarious and, above all, honest
But all too many of them are compromised in their way – whether by a desire to avoid giving offence, or a fear of stepping too far outside the boundaries of what is considered wise and fashionable, or a wish to be well thought of by the people who count.
