Renowned journalist David Hencke, who had a distinguished career spanning over three decades at The Guardian, has passed away at the age of 79 due to complications from liver cancer. As a prominent Westminster correspondent, Hencke played a pivotal role in uncovering high-profile scandals, including the cash-for-questions affair that led to the resignation of two Conservative ministers, and the exposé that prompted Peter Mandelson's initial departure from government.
Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, paid tribute to Hencke, stating: "David Hencke was a true legend of Fleet Street, with a career at The Guardian that spanned over 30 years. He was instrumental in breaking some of the most significant political stories of his time, earning a reputation as a fearless and dogged journalist. His exceptional ability to uncover political scandal and wrongdoing made him a formidable figure in Westminster, and his enthusiasm and energy inspired both colleagues and rivals throughout his illustrious career."
Francis Beckett, a respected journalist and collaborator on three books with Hencke, reflected on his colleague's remarkable career, saying: "David Hencke discovered his passion for journalism at an early age and was fortunate enough to pursue it for his entire working life. He had a unique talent for uncovering information that those in power would have preferred to keep hidden, and he took great pleasure in sharing these stories with the public." Beckett recalled Hencke's distinctive approach to journalism, which combined a relaxed demeanor with a keen sense of smell for a story, making him a masterful scoop getter. "His unassuming nature often put those he interviewed at ease, making it easier for him to gather information and uncover hidden truths."
Until just a week before his passing, Hencke remained committed to his craft, working tirelessly on a new story. This dedication to his work was a testament to his enduring passion for journalism. Throughout his career, Hencke received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Reporter of the Year award in 1994 for his coverage of the cash-for-questions scandal. This story played a significant role in raising public awareness of Tory sleaze in the 1990s, a major issue in the 1997 general election that ultimately led to the end of 18 years of Conservative rule. The scandal resulted in the resignations of ministers Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith, with the latter stepping down as an MP and the former being defeated by journalist Martin Bell, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform.
Hencke's impressive career was marked by numerous notable achievements, including being named Scoop of the Year in 1998 for his exposé on Peter Mandelson's secret £373,000 home loan from his colleague Geoffrey Robinson. This story, which enabled Mandelson to purchase his £475,000 Notting Hill home, was a significant example of Hencke's ability to uncover hidden truths and hold those in power accountable. Throughout his career, Hencke's commitment to investigative journalism and his unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth have left a lasting impact on the world of journalism.
