Fleet Street legend Goodman dies at 92

Tributes have been paid to leading journalist, broadcaster and writer Geoffrey Goodman, who has died at the age of 92.

The Cheshire-born former industrial editor of the Daily Mirror, was the doyen of the industrial correspondents’ group at the height of its influence, well respected for his thoughtful coverage of the world of trade unions, employment and politics.

He also worked for the News Chronicle, Daily Herald and Manchester Guardian, was founding editor of the British Journalism Review and wrote a number of books, including a history of the 1984-5 miners’ strike.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “This is very sad news. Geoffrey was the greatest industrial journalist of his generation, a fine biographer and wise counsel to succeeding generations of TUC leaders. He will be missed by many not just for his wisdom, but as what his generation would have called a proper gent.”

Goodman’s wife  Margit arrived in Britain on the final Kindertransport train bringing Jewish children to safety before the Second World War. He was awarded the CBE in 1998 for services to journalism.

The Mirror’s Peter Willis said: “Geoffrey Goodman was a giant among journalists and one of the greatest ever Mirrormen. Geoffrey was unsurpassed at getting to the heart of the major industrial and political issues when the country was experiencing massive upheaval. He was hugely respected by his peers, those in the corridors of power and, most importantly, our readers, to whom he spoke with passion, wisdom and integrity.”