Andrew Gilligan

Andrew Gilligan
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Name	Andrew Gilligan
Birth date	1968
Occupation	Journalist; Broadcaster; Writer
Years active	1990s–present
Employer	BBC; The Daily Telegraph; London Evening Standard; City AM; BBC Radio 4; TalkRADIO

Andrew Gilligan is a British journalist, broadcaster and author known for investigative reporting and political commentary. He has worked across print, radio and television, with notable roles at BBC, The Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard (London), City A.M., and TalkTV. His reporting has intersected with major public figures, institutions and events in contemporary United Kingdom politics.

Early life and education

Born in 1968, Gilligan studied at institutions associated with Cambridge and London academic traditions. He attended university during a period marked by political debates involving figures such as Margaret Thatcher, Neil Kinnock and events like the Falklands War. His formative years coincided with media developments including the rise of ITV and the expansion of BBC Radio 4 programming.

Journalism career

Gilligan began in local and regional newsrooms before moving into national journalism at titles including The Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard (London). He wrote about topics touching on municipal politics in City of London and national debates involving leaders like Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron. His bylines appeared alongside coverage of major stories involving institutions such as Westminster, Downing Street, Metropolitan Police Service and events including the September 11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the 2008 financial crisis. He was associated with publications that also featured journalists such as Peter Oborne, Simon Jenkins and Boris Johnson during overlaps in London media.

BBC and controversy over Iraq dossier

While working for BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Gilligan reported claims about a dossier prepared by the British government in the lead-up to the Iraq War that implicated senior officials in decisions regarding the publication of intelligence. His report led to a high-profile dispute involving figures like Alastair Campbell and institutions such as No. 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office. The controversy resulted in an inquiry by Hutton Inquiry chaired by Lord Hutton that examined the interplay between the BBC, government communications, and journalists including producers and editors. The affair had repercussions across media outlets including BBC Newsnight, The Guardian, and The Times (London), and stimulated debate in the House of Commons and among commentators like Andrew Rawnsley and Nick Cohen.

Political and broadcasting roles

After the BBC episode, Gilligan returned to print journalism and later assumed roles in broadcasting across platforms including LBC (London), TalkRADIO, and TalkTV. He covered municipal and national politics during mayoral contests involving figures such as Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson, and Sadiq Khan, and interacted with institutions like the Greater London Authority and London Assembly. He served as transport correspondent and later as chief reporter at the Evening Standard (London), contributing to debates on infrastructure projects like Crossrail and Heathrow Airport expansion, and responding to policy announcements from Transport for London. His broadcasting work engaged audiences alongside presenters and commentators such as Iain Dale, James O'Brien, and Piers Morgan.

Writings and commentary

Gilligan authored columns and investigative pieces addressing topics including urban planning, transport policy, intelligence issues and electoral politics. His commentary appeared in outlets including The Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard (London), City A.M., and on programmes from BBC Radio 4 to commercial talk stations. He contributed to public debates about security and intelligence agencies such as MI5 and MI6, and engaged with coverage of international events like the Iraq War, the Afghanistan conflict (2001–2021), and diplomatic interactions involving United States administrations and leaders including George W. Bush. His analysis intersected with reporting by writers such as Matthew Parris, Martin Kettle, and Bryan Appleyard.

Personal life and honours

Gilligan's personal life has been noted in profiles published in national newspapers and magazines that have also covered media figures such as Vanessa Feltz and Fiona Bruce. He has been recognized within journalism circles that include award schemes by bodies like the British Press Awards and institutions such as the National Union of Journalists, though his career has been more defined by prominent scoops and controversies than by a long list of formal honours. Gilligan's work continues to intersect with leading political figures, media organizations and public debates in the United Kingdom.

Category:British journalists Category:Living people Category:1968 births