London - British newspaperman Sir David English, chairman and group editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers, has died after suffering a stroke at the age of 67.
Sir David died yesterday at St Thomas's Hospital, London, after being admitted earlier in the day, said Mr Lawrence Sear, managing editor of the Associated group's Daily Mail. Daily Mail editor Mr Paul Dacre paid tribute to his boss as "the greatest journalist of his generation".
Sir David's Fleet Street career started when joined the Daily Mirror in 1951. But he spent more than 20 years with the Mail, and is credited with making it essential reading for millions. The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, was "shocked and saddened" by news of Sir David's death, his spokesman said. Downing St received permission from the Queen to announce that Sir David was to have been honoured with a life peerage in this Friday's honours list.