Patrick O’Flynn dies aged 59
Tributes have been paid across the political spectrum following the death of former MEP and journalist Patrick O’Flynn, who passed away in London after a short illness.
Tributes are beingpaid after Patrick O’Flynn, a former MEP and journalist, died in London following a short illness.
The 59 year old died in London on 20 May 2025 after a brief battle with stage four liver cancer. The illness progressed rapidly after diagnosis.
Born in Cambridge, O’Flynn had a career in journalism that included work as political editor at the Daily Express and contributions to The Spectator and The Telegraph. He was elected as a UK Independence Party (UKIP) MEP for the East of England in 2014 and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2018.
Following his death, tributes came from political leaders across the spectrum. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, described him as “a great journalist, a great thinker, a great patriot and a titan of our joint cause.” Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised his “truly original conservative journalism.” Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, expressed disbelief and sorrow, recalling their many political discussions.
The Social Democratic Party called his death a “devastating loss,” remembering him as a “great journalist, fantastic MEP, true patriot, and most of all a wonderful man.”
In the House of Commons, MP Richard Tice paid tribute to O’Flynn’s contributions to political journalism and offered condolences to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Carole Ann, a former Daily Express contributor and life coach, and their two children.