'Pete's finger was on pulse of West Midlands'

Peter Madeley was known for sharing a laugh with his interviewees, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Tributes have been paid to a "fearless reporter and a brilliant writer" who has died from cancer, aged 50.

Peter Madeley was the political editor at Wolverhampton's Express & Star, where he had worked for 11 years.

During his career, he interviewed political heavyweights including former prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson and has been remembered for his "sharp wit and unquestionable impartiality".

The father-of-two died at home nine months after being diagnosed.

"I am so sad to hear of the loss of Pete Madeley," Boris Johnson, who had sent a get well card after hearing about his illness, told the Express & Star.

"He was an outstanding journalist who evidently loved his job and his beat. I know that he put up a long and valiant fight against his illness and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones today."

A true Black Country man at heart, Mr Madeley grew up in Dudley and went on to study at Castle High School and Nottingham Trent University.

During his time at university he met his wife Marina and went on to become a devoted father to Thalia, 19, and Elias, 15.

'Infectious sense of humour'

He started work as a teacher, before embarking on a career in journalism at the age of 39.

Mr Madeley had decided becoming a reporter was his passion and began his training at the City of Wolverhampton College in 2012.

He later secured work experience at the Wolverhampton Chronicle twice a week for seven months, before being offered a full-time job with its parent title.

After passing his exams, he became an education reporter and by the end of 2015, his calling was realised when a political editor vacancy became available.

He has been commended for his coverage of the Brexit referendum, two general elections and the war in Ukraine as well as their impact on people across the West Midlands.

One of the biggest scoops of his career came in the run up to the 2019 General Election, when he exclusively revealed that Ian Austin, a Dudley North MP, had quit the Labour Party.

Also an avid Aston Villa fan, Mr Madeley has been remembered by colleagues for his "infectious sense of humour" and always being the "life and soul of the office".

Through out his career he interviewed a number of political heavyweights including former prime minster Tony Blair

In a heartwarming post on Facebook, photographer and friend Tim Thursfield wrote: "Pete was an absolute genius at this job, and I don't mean that flippantly.

"His ability to put people at ease but at the same time get a killer quote or angle was incredible."

Express & Star acting editor Mark Drew also described him as having a "fantastic personality".

"[He was] a real presence in the newsroom and an inspiration and influence to everyone he worked with," Mr Drew said.

"He was also an incredibly skilled journalist who was respected by politicians of all parties. He will be hugely missed."

Martin Wright, the newspaper's editor-in-chief, said the number of tributes paid to him showed how important he and his work was.

"[It] is testament to the impact he had during his time as a journalist," Mr Wright posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"He was a fearless reporter and a brilliant writer - but an even better person. A privilege to work alongside him. Thoughts with his family."

'Unrivalled nose for a story'

Others in the industry expressed their heartbreak at the news and shared fond memories.

"Pete Madeley was liked and respected by colleagues in journalism and politics across the West Midlands," said Rob Mayor, the political editor for BBC Midlands Today.

"Towards the end of his life he told me how much he was missing the job he loved with all his heart, a job he approached with a smile, good sense of humour and unrivalled nose for a story.

"He’ll be greatly missed by all, both professionally and personally."

Express & Star chief photographer Tim Thursfield shared some of the many pictures he has of Mr Madeley at work, including this one with MP George Galloway

Politicians from across the region have also paid their respects.

West Midlands Mayor and the chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority Andy Street said: "Pete Madeley was a tenacious and feared journalist, and a master at holding those in power to account.

"But more importantly he was a thoroughly good man, who I was proud to work with."

Sarah Coombes, Labour candidate for West Bromwich, wrote: "I did lots of business with Pete when I worked for former West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson, on everything from WASPI women to nuisance motorbikes.

"A brilliant journalist. RIP."

'Scholar and gentleman'

Wolverhampton Conservative councillor Wendy Thompson said the reporter was "always knowledgeable , fair and professional".

"He is not only a loss to journalism but also to Wolverhampton," she added.

Pat McFadden, the Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, posted: "He had the trust and respect of politicians right across the political parties."

In tribute Lord Austin said: “Pete was not just a great journalist but a great man and a great friend.

“He devoted his life first to helping give others a good start in life through teaching and then to informing the public and telling the truth as a journalist.

“He stood up for the Black Country and the community he loved.”

Speaking to Black Country Radio, the leader of Dudley Council, councillor Patrick Harley, said: "He really had his finger on the pulse and really was a voice for Westminster from the West Midlands and wider Black Country."

On Facebook Suzanne Webb, the Conservative MP for Stourbridge, wrote: "Pete was a thoroughly decent guy, a scholar and a gentleman.

"I had so much time for his political antennae and integrity."