Michael Jones – 1948-1956

Sad to announce the passing of Michael Jones, a Gloucester lad who became a respected journalist and political commentator.

Michael was the first son of Glyn & Betty Jones. Some may remember Glyn who went into business with his Brother in Law Les Browett opening a betting shop ’Jones and Browett’ close to the Wagon Works and Morelands Match Manufactory on the Stroud Road. Peter, Michael’s younger brother worked for many years at Impregnated Diamond Products in Gloucester and continues to live in the city.

Michael was born in about 1937 and attended the Crypt School between 1948 – 1956. I believe Michael’s first steps saw him in a lowly job at the Citizen/Gloucester Journal in the late 50s where he worked his way up and from where eventually he joined the then Manchester Guardian. As a respected journalist he later worked in Hong Kong and also on The Times, Daily Telegraph and Financial Times. He retired as Associate Editor (Politics) of the Sunday Times in 2002. Thereafter he worked closely with Betty Boothroyd on her autobiography. For many years he lived with his wife Sheila in Orpington where their own family grew up. Michael was a much older cousin of mine and a fascinating chap to talk with. RIP.

Originally posted by Chris Coopey in the “Gloucester: A trip back in time” Facebook page