Nigel Farage has led the tributes following the death of respected journalist and GB News contributor Patrick O'Flynn, at age 59.
O'Flynn, political editor of the Express from the 1990s to 2005, was elected as Ukip MEP for the East of England in 2014.
He was at the forefront of the newspaper's crusade to leave the EU as a prominent Brexit campaigner.
Known by many for his comment pieces, the much-loved journalist wrote extensively for The Spectator, The Telegraph and Birmingham Post before regularly appearing as a guest on GB News.
Patrick O'Flynn regularly appeared on GB News
GB NewsNigel Farage was among the first to issue a heartfelt statement following the news of his death, hailing the "great patriot".
The Reform UK leader wrote on X: "So sad to hear of the passing of Patrick O’Flynn. Paddy was a great journalist, a great thinker, a great patriot and a titan of our joint cause. Thank you Paddy."
The pair had a close professional relationship.
In 2014, O'Flynn was elected to the European Parliament when Farage’s Ukip beat Labour and the Tories into second and third place.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch added to the tributes.
She wrote: “This is dreadful news. I can’t quite believe it.
“My husband and I always enjoyed Patrick’s company. He often messaged me with thoughts on politics. We’d agree on substance, then argue over tactics. I teased him about being a secret Leftie … but my goodness, he loved this country.
“Such sad, sad news to end the day."
Nigel Farage was among the first to issue a heartfelt statement
Getty
O'Flynn represented the East of England and was Ukip's economy spokesman until 2015.
He stood in the general election of that year for Cambridge, but failed to win the seat.
GB News's Emily Carver and Matt Goodwin also paid tribute to the political commentator.
Goodwin praised the 59-year-old for his support and hailed deep care for the people of this country, while Carver described the news as "terribly sad".
Patrick O'Flynn regularly appeared as a guest on GB News
GB News
Following a successful career at the heart of Westminster, O'Flynn was also remembered by British columnist Allison Pearson, who wrote on X: "A wonderful journalist, kind friend, great ally and champion of Brexiteers, peerless political analyst, Jam fan. Britain is a less good place without Paddy."
Regular GB News guest, Steven Barrett said: "All my love is with his family A truly brilliant mind. Far too young."
Former Member of the European Parliament, Belinda de Lucy said: "Patrick, you leaving this world is a such an immense loss to your beloved family, friends and the country you fought so hard for.
"You lovely friend, true gentleman and beer buddy. How you will be missed. We will carry your baton dear friend x"
