Colleagues have paid tribute to TV news reporter Rae Stewart who has died after an illness. The 56-year-old who was described as a ‘gentleman’ was known for working on ITV, Sky News, STV and GMTV.
He had workedas a reporte for more than 20 years. Former colleague Stephen Jardine announced the news of Rae’s death after an illness on Tuesday morning.
Stephen said: “My best friend Rae Stewart has died after an illness. He was just 56. Rae was a proud son of Tain and a brilliant journalist, author, husband, father and friend.”
“All my thoughts today are with him and his beloved family.”
BBC presenter Carolyn Quinn said: “Taken far too soon. Unforgettable Rae Stewart. Wonderful husband, father and friend.” Author Mike Edwards added: “Desperately sad to learn of the passing of Rae Stewart - a friend, colleague and fellow Highlander. A cracking lad taken far too soon.”
Sunday Express editor David Wooding said: “Saddened to learn of the untimely death of Rae Stewart. Liked by many friends in Westminster who knew him as a broadcast journalist and later a government comms chief.”
Member of the Scottish Parliament, Angus Robertson said: “Extremely sad news about the passing of Rae Stewart. He was a first-class journalist, an ever present reporter on the Westminster and Scottish beat, and great company. My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues. RIP.”
STV special correspondent Bernard Ponsonby added: “Rae was regarded as a gentleman when that term had gone out of fashion. It reflected his courtesy and good manners. But that should not be taken to mean he was stuffy. He conducted himself with a relaxed irreverence and more than a hint of charm that made him popular with colleagues and public figures alike.”
The journalist was born in Tain in the Highlands and worked as a reporter for more than 20 years before becoming a communications consultant working for businesses, government departments and major institutions.
Rae worked as head of comms for the Iraq Inquiry and was press secretary to Nick Clegg during the Liberal Democrat leader’s time as deputy prime minister. He published his first novel, The Vibe in 2017 which was partly inspired by his travels around India.
The former journalist took early retirement in July 2022 due to ill-health.
