Guardian columnist Hugo Young dies

A private family funeral will be held this week

The Guardian newspaper columnist Hugo Young has died aged 64.

Mr Young, the paper's senior political commentator whose political works included a biography of Lady Thatcher, died at his home on Monday after a battle with cancer.

He leaves a wife, the American artist Lucy Waring, a son and three daughters.

Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger, said: "Hugo was, simply, a towering figure in British journalism.

What will be missed most is his authority and insight BBC director general Greg Dyke Jim Naughtie pays tribute

"His twice-weekly Guardian column was, over almost 20 years, the sharpest, best informed and most humane political column in any newspaper in this country.

"To lose him at the peak of his powers is a shattering blow for us and for his family."

Original thinking

Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was very sad to learn of Mr Young's death.

"He was someone of exceptional ability and integrity whose journalism was always worth reading.

"He had the capacity to think originally, argue compellingly and carry conviction.

"And he was a genuinely nice human being.

"We will all miss him."

BBC director general Greg Dyke said Mr Young "made a huge contribution to political journalism over a period of decades".

"What will be missed most is his authority and insight.

"He brought these qualities to many BBC programmes and he will be greatly missed."

Europe issues

Mr Young was born into a prominent Sheffield family, and Catholicism was an important part of his life.

He was head boy at Ampleforth College in York, and read law at Balliol College, Oxford.

Primarily a political journalist, he rose to deputy editor of the Sunday Times until Rupert Murdoch prompted his move to the Guardian.

Europe became his overriding concern and his disappointment with successive British governments was sharply expressed in his columns, most recently when Mr Blair chose George Bush's America over his EU partners in the Iraq war.

Yet, says the Guardian, he remained on good terms with the prime minister despite their differences, and was also respected by Lady Thatcher even after writing a critical biography, One of Us, in 1989.

As chairman since 1989 of the Scott trust, which owns the Guardian and its sister publications, he helped the paper through important developments, including the purchase of the Observer.

He married twice, first to Helen with whom he had four children; then after her death to Lucy Waring.

A private family funeral will be held later this week.

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You can send your thoughts on the death of Hugo Young by using the form below.

Hugo Young joined the board of the Tablet Publishing Co in 1985 and remained an important member of it until his death. He was a leading and longstanding figure in British journalism who brought his professional integrity and wisdom to the board of this Catholic journal publishing company. He also advised on some editorials and provided articles for "The Tablet". The international Catholic weekly, "The Tablet", was very important to Hugo. Although a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Hugo believed that "The Tablet's" function in the Church was best served by maintaining the paper¿s editorial freedom and independence of the Catholic Church¿s hierarchy. Hugo will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues at The Tablet, who offer their condolences to his wife, family, and Guardian colleagues. Michael D Phelan Chairman Tablet Publishing Co Ltd
Michael Phelan, United Kingdom

Rest in peace, your articles were always worth reading.
Will, Oxfordshire, UK

Am saddened to hear of Hugo Young´s death. One might not always agree with his arguments but his articles made compelling reading. As a foreign correspondent I found him willing to share information. I now use his "One of Us" to teach British politics in Argentina.
Guillermo Makin, Argentina

I may have often disagreed, but I always respected his reasoned and thoughtfully argued points. A man of integrity. Our thoughts should be with his family.
Doug Bradley, Scotland

A monumental loss to political journalism. Young is irreplaceable.
Paul Davis, UK

A sad loss at an early age. Mr Young was one of the most erudite and lucid writers I have come across and I eagerly awaited his columns. A radio broadcaster of considerable acumen as well as an acerbic columnist. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Steve, UK

I am an Italian journalist living in London. Young helped me to understand better this country, to get a clear perception over what British public opinion thinks about our country and our prime minister Berlusconi. I will miss his column
Chiara , Italy

A great loss to pro-European journalism, now sadly at a premium in the UK.
Chris Sibson, Luxembourg