David Hencke, the Guardian journalist whose dogged investigative work helped expose the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal, has died aged 78. He passed away on 30 June 2026 after a long illness, his family confirmed.
Career highlights
Hencke joined the Guardian in 1987 as a political correspondent and quickly established himself as a tenacious reporter. His most famous scoop came in 2009 when he and colleague Heather Brooke obtained details of MPs' expense claims through a freedom of information request. The revelations led to the resignation of several MPs and a fundamental overhaul of the expenses system.
Earlier in his career, Hencke worked for the Birmingham Post and the Sunday Times. He also wrote for the Tribune magazine and was a regular contributor to BBC radio and television news programmes.
Personal life
Hencke is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. Colleagues remembered him as a meticulous journalist who never shied away from holding power to account. "David was a true investigative reporter in the finest tradition of the craft," said former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger. "His work on expenses changed British politics forever."
