Guardian journalist David Hencke, who exposed ‘cash for questions’, dies at 79
7 reported
David Hencke, the Guardian journalist who helped expose the “cash for questions” scandal, has died from liver cancer at age 79, according to his former employer. Hencke worked at the Guardian for more than three decades, serving as its Westminster correspondent from 1986 until 2009, and later as an investigative journalist. He was named reporter of the year in 1994 for his coverage of the “cash for questions” scandal, which led to the resignations of Conservative ministers Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith. Hencke also won scoop of the year in 1998 for revealing that Peter Mandelson had received a secret £373,000 home loan from government colleague Geoffrey Robinson. Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner described Hencke as a “true Fleet Street legend” who was “the most feared journalist in Westminster.” Journalist Francis Beckett, who co-wrote three books with Hencke, said Hencke was still working on a story until a week before his death on Friday.
What’s reported
David Hencke died from liver cancer at age 79.
He worked at the Guardian for more than 30 years, from 1986 to 2009 as Westminster correspondent, then as an investigative journalist.
He was named reporter of the year in 1994 for covering the “cash for questions” scandal.
The scandal forced the resignations of Conservative ministers Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith; Smith stepped down as an MP, and Hamilton was defeated by Martin Bell.
Hencke won scoop of the year in 1998 for revealing Peter Mandelson’s secret £373,000 home loan from Geoffrey Robinson, which enabled Mandelson to buy a £475,000 home.
Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner called Hencke a “true Fleet Street legend” and “the most feared journalist in Westminster.”
Francis Beckett said Hencke was still working on a story up until a week before his death.
Key figures
David Hencke, former Guardian Westminster correspondent and investigative journalist
Katharine Viner, Guardian editor-in-chief
Francis Beckett, journalist and co-author with Hencke
Neil Hamilton, former Conservative minister
Tim Smith, former Conservative minister
Martin Bell, anti-corruption candidate who defeated Hamilton
Peter Mandelson, former government minister
Geoffrey Robinson, government colleague of Mandelson
Sources: The Guardian
