Gary Jones (journalist)

Gary Jones is a British journalist who became editor of the Daily Express in March 2018.[1] Earlier in his career he was on the staff of the News of the World, The Sunday People and the Daily Mirror.

Early life

Jones is the son of Conservative-supporting lifelong Daily Express-reading parents.[2] He trained at journalist college in Preston, Lancashire, now part of the University of Central Lancashire.[2]

Career

In April 1995, while at the News of the World when Piers Morgan was editor, Jones was named Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards.[3] Later, at the Daily Mirror (Morgan was editor), Jones was one of "three key media contacts" for Southern Investigations, a private detective agency whose investigator Jonathan Rees is said to have "set up [a] network of corrupt police, customs officials, taxmen and bank staff to gain valuable information".[4] Rees was recorded by police telling Jones "that some of what he was doing for the Mirror was illegal".[4]

While Jones was investigations editor at the Mirror in December 1999, the paper published detailed extracts from the medical records of Ian Brady, having paid an intermediary £1,500. The Law Lords ruled in 2002 that the newspaper must reveal its source.[5] He moved to The People in November 2007, becoming deputy editor in June 2008.[6]

He was formerly deputy editor of The People[6] and later editor. After an period as acting editor, he also became editor of the Sunday Mirror in May 2016.[7]

Personal life

Jones had his son educated at Eton College.[2]

References

1. Mayhew, Freddie (1 March 2018). "All change as Daily Express and Daily Star editors leave following Trinity Mirror buyout". Press Gazette. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
2. Waterson, Jim (28 April 2019). "Gary Jones on taking over Daily Express: 'It was anti-immigrant. I couldn't sleep'". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
3. Slattery, Jon (7 April 2005) [April 1995]. "Back Issues 08.04.05: Insight team wins two awards". Press Gazette. Archived from the original on 9 September 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
4. Davies, Nick (8 June 2011). "Phone-hacking scandal: Jonathan Rees obtained information using dark arts". The Guardian.
5. "News in brief: Moors murderer story ruling". The Daily Telegraph. 28 June 2002. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
6. "Acting editor becomes top man of The People". Press Gazette. 20 June 2008.
7. Sweney, Mark; Jackson, Jasper (12 May 2016). "The New Day's former editor made deputy editor-in-chief of the Mirror". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 April 2018.