'Most influential political journalist of modern times'

AS news of Patrick O'Flynn's death spread, the sense of grief and sadness was palpable. An exceptional journalist, all of us who knew and loved him are in a state of shock.

- Virginia Blackburn

Fellow political journalists commented on his talent, ability and nous, former colleagues commented on his kindness and helpfulness when they were starting out.

Patrick was only 59 and should have had another 30 years with us. But stage four liver cancer has robbed us of a brilliant journalist and campaigner. He is not just leaving a hole in the life of his friends and colleagues, but in the life of the nation too.

He was one of the major movers behind Brexit when, as chief political commentator on the Daily Express, he was instrumental in persuading this newspaper to become the first to call for the country to leave the European Union. As my colleague Leo McKinstry writes, opposite, Patrick was arguably "the most influential British political journalist of modern times".

Later as a UKIP MEP he campaigned for a referendum, leaving his career in journal-ism. He was also a great friend of mine: we sat beside each other at work for nearly a decade and engaged in banter ranging from the serious to the ridiculous. We were friends out of work too. And, when I got together with my now husband five years ago, Patrick and his wife, journalist and life coach Carole Ann, and Justin and I became couple friends. The banter continued. How could he have been taken from us so soon?

Patrick James O'Flynn was born on August 29, 1965, in Cambridge, one of five children, and went on to study economics at King's College, Cambridge, followed by a journalism diploma from City, University of London.