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Guardian Veteran David Hencke Dies, Uncovered Political Scandals

6/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

David Hencke, veteran Guardian journalist, died of liver cancer at age 79 on June 27, 2026.
He continued pursuing a new story until a week before his death.
His 1994 reporting on the cash-for-questions scandal forced the resignations of Conservative ministers Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith.
He won the 1998 Scoop of the Year award for exposing Peter Mandelson’s £373,000 loan that financed a £475,000 Notting Hill home.

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Story summary

David Hencke, veteran Guardian journalist, died of liver cancer at age 79 on June 27, 2026.
He continued pursuing a new story until a week before his death.
His 1994 reporting on the cash-for-questions scandal forced the resignations of Conservative ministers Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith.
He won the 1998 Scoop of the Year award for exposing Peter Mandelson’s £373,000 loan that financed a £475,000 Notting Hill home.