Hugo Young, Guardian columnist and chairman of the Scott Trust, owner of The Guardian and The Observer, died at home on Monday, aged 64, after a long illness.
He leaves a widow, the artist Lucy Waring, one son and three daughters.
Young worked for the Yorkshire Post before joining The Sunday Times in 1965, where he was chief leader writer, then political editor and later, joint deputy editor.
He moved to The Guardian in 1984 as its political columnist, taking on the chairmanship of the trust in 1989. Young won several awards during his career, including the British Press Awards Columnist of the Year title three times, in 1980, 1983 and 1985, and published seven political books.
Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger said: “Hugo was, simply, a towering figure in British journalism. His twice-weekly Guardian column was, over almost 20 years, the sharpest, best-informed and most humane political column in any newspaper in this country. “He was also a wise, tireless and enlightened chair of the Scott Trust. To lose him at the peak of his powers is a shattering blow.”
A private family funeral was held this week. There is to be a thanksgiving service later.
Full obituary next week
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