Political Broadcaster John Cole Dies At 85

Former political journalist John Cole has died aged 85 after a long illness, his son has said.

The BBC's former political editor spent more than 10 years with the public broadcaster after a lengthy career in newspapers.

Cole died at his Surrey home on Thursday and is survived by his wife Madge, four sons and nine grandchildren.

His family said: "While many people will remember John for his journalism and broadcasting, for us he was the most loving, funny and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

"We will miss him terribly, but have so many memories of the tremendous happiness he has brought into our lives."

David Cameron's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by the news and would send his condolences, of course, to Mr Cole's family and friends.

"He is someone who contributed so much to British political life."

As the face of the BBC's political coverage during the Thatcher years, he covered major stories including the Falklands War, the Brighton bomb and Mrs Thatcher's resignation.

His distinctive Ulster accent made him a regular subject for satirists.

Cole was born in Belfast in 1927 and started his career on the Belfast Telegraph in 1945 before joining The Guardian, where he worked as labour correspondent, news editor and eventually deputy editor.

In 1975 he joined The Observer before moving to the BBC in 1981.

He retired after the 1992 general election and wrote his memoirs, As It Seemed To Me, and a novel set in his native Northern Ireland.

In his memoirs, Cole recounted how an interview early in his career with then-prime minister Clement Attlee during a holiday in Ireland inspired him to to work in Westminster.

He went on to interview many of Westminster's biggest names and was a regular fixture outside Downing Street in the 1980s.

The BBC's current political editor Nick Robinson said Cole "shaped the way all in my trade do our jobs".

Labour leader Ed Miliband wrote on Twitter: "My generation grew up watching John Cole.

"He conveyed the drama and importance of politics. Many condolences to his family."