Former political editor who started as Shields Gazette journalist dies aged 81
A renowned political journalist who started his career at the Shields Gazette has died aged 81.
A former political editor who began his career at the Shields Gazette has died aged 81.
Peter Young was famed for exposing scandals at local councils and went on to be a regional political editor.
But his first job was on the Shields Gazette, his hometown paper.
He then went on to work at the Express & Star and the Birmingham Mail before heading home to the North East.
In 1975 he worked on the Evening Chronicle, where he stayed for the rest of his career.
He worked as political editor for a quarter of a century and even garnered praise from MPs in the Commons when he retired from the job.
A motion tabled on January 21, 2009, supported by nine MPs stated: “Journalists like Peter play a vital role in making local and regional newspapers such an important part of democracy and accountability in the UK; and further wishes Peter a long and happy retirement.”
Speaking to Hold the Front Page, Peter’s former news editor at the Chronicle, Roger Borrell, described him as “a legend” with an “uncanny knack of conjuring a splash from his back pocket”.
He told the news and jobs website he tried to get Peter to join him as a manager on the newsdesk, but, “he just loved being a reporter”.
Other colleagues also extended kind words, calling Peter “the consummate professional”, “a seriously great journalist”, and “relentless when chasing down a story.”
Peter was known to be a loyal Newcastle United fan, had been married three times and leaves three sons, a step-daughter and grandchildren.
His wife Jane, who he met at the Chronicle, died 18 months ago in 2025.