Political journalist and commentator Anthony Howard has died after a short illness, his family says.

The 76-year-old former editor of the New Statesman worked for a range of newspapers including The Times, and appeared on TV as a Westminster pundit.

Labour MP John McDonnell described Howard as "vastly knowledgeable" and "gifted".

On Twitter, Daniel Finkelstein of the Times said he had been "a brilliant editor and commentator too".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12035026

Definitely a face for radio. Though he was very very good at his job. He was probably one of the best political journalists of his time. RIP.