Chris Moncrieff

Chris Moncrieff, (born 9 September 1931)was the Political Editor of the Press Association from 1980 to 1994.

He joined the agency's political staff in the Houses of Parliament in 1962 and became a lobby correspondent in 1973. He officially retired in 1994, but continues to write politcal commentary for the Press Association and regularly appears on political programmes on radio and television.

Sir Bernard Ingham, Margaret Thatcher's former press secretary, said of Chris Moncrieff "He is the nearest approach to the 24 hour journalist I have ever known, a straight reporter who writes without any spin".

John Major once saved him from serious injury when caught him after he slipped and almost fell from the Great Wall of China whilst on an official trip with the then Prime Minister.

Margaret Thatcher, a great admirer, made him a CBE in the New Year's honours list in 1989

The newly refurbished press gallery bar at the House of Commons has been renamed Moncrieff's in his honour.

Family Life' He is married to Maggie. He has four children, Joanna, Sarah, Kate and Angus, and two grandchildren.

Writing and Journalism He has written two books. Living On a Deadline is a history of the Press Association. Wine Women and Westminster is a behind the scenes diary of the goings on at Parliament.