A respected former political journalist who went on to become a member of the European Parliament has died aged 59.

Patrick O’Flynn, pictured, first entered the parliamentary lobby as political editor of the Birmingham Post – then a daily morning title – in the 1990s.

He went on to become political editor of the Daily Express before entering politics himself, serving as an MEP for his native East of England from 2014 until 2019.

Patrick died weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Politicians and former journalist colleagues have joined in tribute to a man who was well-liked across the political spectrum.

Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said: “Patrick was a long-serving and well-respected member of the lobby. I’m sure the whole house will wish to join me in sending our condolences to his family for somebody who was taken so young.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who employed Patrick as his head of communications when leading UKIP, said he was “so sad to hear” of his passing.

“Paddy was a great journalist, a great thinker, a great patriot and a titan of our joint cause. Thank you Paddy,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Patrick as “a truly original conservative journalist who grasped the causes of much of the current discontent”.

And current Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I always enjoyed Patrick’s company. I teased him about being a secret leftie… but my goodness, he loved this country.”

Explaining his decision to leave journalism, Patrick once wrote: “I was sure I could make my most powerful contribution to the great patriotic cause of getting Britain out of the EU and restoring it to its rightful status as a proud self-governing country by doing something else.

“I knew I would miss the camaraderie of colleagues, the buzz of daily deadlines and, of course, you – the readers. But I also knew that I had to go.”

Having originally been elected as an MEP for UKIP, Patrick later joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a post on X, the SDP said it was “devastated” to learn of Patrick’s passing, describing him as “a great journalist, fantastic MEP, true patriot, and most of all a wonderful man”.

Tributes have also poured in from Patrick’s former colleagues in journalism.

Former political editor of theipaper Nigel Morris said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Patrick O’Flynn – we were friends since working together 30+ years ago on the Birmingham Post. A great and principled journalist with a big brain and an excellent sense of humour but above all a lovely guy.”

Columnist and broadcaster Liam Halligan praised his “formidable combination of economic expertise, political nous and instinctive feel for public sentiment and the national mood.”

“Paddy had strong opinions – but they were built on research and observation, rather than ideology or dogma. His views were heartfelt and firmly held – but never prevented him from giving others a fair hearing or thinking he had nothing to learn.”

Express deputy editor Geoff Maynard said: “Patrick was simply a legend of the Express. A wonderful gentleman, a master of politics who had a great connection with our readers and of course he was one of the chief instigators of our successful campaign to leave the EU.”

“He will be hugely missed by all his former colleagues and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”