Patrick O’Flynn will be greatly missed

I am hugely saddened by the death of Patrick O’Flynn. He was a man who epitomised decency, kindness, gentlemanly conduct and, above all, a sense of duty.

I first met him when he stood for parliament for the Social Democratic party (SDP) in Peterborough in 2019. It was a hugely disappointing campaign for us (as indeed most of them are, but this one particularly). He knew he was fighting a forlorn battle, but threw himself into the campaigning with total commitment and – as ever – graciousness. Not to mention a certain grim gallows humour.

That he stood at all speaks volumes for the man. He knew he would lose – and lose badly. He had already been the MEP for the area for both UKIP and the SDP, so he had nothing to prove. Campaigning is time-consuming and costly, especially when you are a hand-to-mouth journo. But he did it because he believed in the cause and that was enough.

He had enjoyed a long and distinguished career at the top of journalism’s greasy pole and later became a sharp and witty political observer for, among others, this magazine. He will be very greatly missed.

It is always awful to lose a friend, or a colleague, or a comrade. To lose all three in one is desperately sad. Rest in peace, Paddy. You were the best of men.