Political editor of the Press Association admired for his unsurpassed ability to break stories and his deep knowledge of WestminsterChris Moncrieff, the former political editor of the Press Association, who has died aged 88, was perhaps the most influential political journalist of the past 50 years, with an unrivalled reputation for breaking stories that set the Westminster news agenda for generations. His reporting made many reputations and broke numerous others but was characterised by scrupulous professionalism and fairness.
His quick wits and an instinctive news sense would always have guaranteed him a successful journalistic career, but as a reporter in the Palace of Westminster he also recognised the intrinsic importance of trust in the relationships he forged with MPs of all parties and he never stopped working. He left home before 5am every day of his working life and was an indefatigable, dedicated reporter.