Journalist and former editor of BBC’s Today programme, Rod Liddle, has died at the age of 66.
News UK, the organisation behind The Sunday Times and The Sun, in which Mr Liddle had a column, confirmed the news on Monday.
Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of News UK, said: “Everyone at News UK is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Rod Liddle.
“Rod was an inimitable journalistic force, brilliant, provocative and immensely talented, whose sharp wit and uncompromising voice graced our pages and airwaves for decades.
Rod Liddle has died, his family confirmed
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PA
“Whether writing for The Sunday Times and The Sun or broadcasting on Times Radio, he challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism.
“Rod will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues at News, as well as by his many readers, listeners and viewers.
Tom Harwood and Dawn Neesom broke the news on Monday afternoon
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“Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”
His children, Wilder, Tyler and Emmy, also published a statement following Mr Liddle’s death.
It is awful news that Rod Liddle, a towering intellect and a friend, has died – my thoughts are with his loved ones.
— Rupert Lowe MP (@RupertLowe10) August 3, 2026
“We’re all very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father,” they said.
“He raised us much as you might imagine, to be inquisitive, brave and always humorous.
Just heartbreaking to hear the news about Rod Liddle.
I don’t have the words to express how sad this is. For journalism, for his readers and most of all his friends and family. Had missed his column and hearing his voice on the radio. Thought he was on a break.
Rest in peace,…— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) August 3, 2026
“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.”
Absolutely shocked by the death of Rod Liddle.
When we debated together at universities and he was always a brilliant dinner guest to sit alongside. Sharp, ruthlessly funny, he will be sorely missed. https://t.co/W5Y6DpwTuf
— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) August 3, 2026
Within moments of the sad news emerging, tributes from far and wide flooded in on social media for the writer.
Among them was Restore leader Rupert Lowe, who took to X to say: “It is awful news that Rod Liddle, a towering intellect and a friend, has died – my thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Meanwhile, peers in the journalism world similarly paid tribute.
Richard Eden of the Daily Mail penned: “This is very sad. Rod Liddle was one of my favourite columnists.”