Sunday Times and Sun columnist Rod Liddle dies

The Sunday Times and Sun columnist Rod Liddle has died.

The 66-year-old died in hospital in Middlesbrough yesterday after a short illness, News UK said.

Liddle had written for The Sunday Times since 2005 and The Sun since 2011. He was also a weekly columnist at The Spectator and had a show on Times Radio.

His three children said in a statement they were "very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father".

"Even in hospital in the last few weeks, he consistently held the room and never let the awful situation show," they said.

"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."

Rebekah Brooks, the chief executive of News UK, called Liddle "an inimitable journalistic force - brilliant, provocative and immensely talented".

She said he "challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism".

More tributes came from the editor of The Sunday Times, Ben Taylor, who said colleagues would "miss him desperately".

Mr Taylor said Liddle "used his unique talent to speak for the readers, highlighting the cant and absurdity that bedevils modern life".

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