Simon Jenkins

Simon Jenkins
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Name	Simon Jenkins
Birth date	1943
Birth place	Birmingham, England
Occupation	Journalist, author, editor, commentator
Nationality	British

Simon Jenkins is a British journalist, author and commentator known for his work in national newspapers, his books on history and architecture, and his appearances on broadcast media. He has held senior editorial roles at leading publications, written extensively on public affairs and heritage, and served on cultural and civic bodies. His writing spans political commentary, historical studies, and conservation advocacy.

Early life and education

Born in Birmingham in 1943, he grew up amid the post-war urban landscape of West Midlands (county), close to communities shaped by Industrial Revolution heritage and Second World War recovery. He was educated at state schools before attending university at St Catharine's College, Cambridge where he read history alongside contemporaries from British media and public life. His formative years coincided with the administrations of Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill and later the political transformations under Harold Macmillan and Harold Wilson that influenced his interest in national affairs.

Career

He began his professional life on regional newspapers in the West Midlands (county) and moved into national journalism with appointments at titles associated with the News of the World stable and the Daily Mail group. He rose through editorial ranks to become editor of the Evening Standard and later of the The Times and the The Independent on Sunday where he managed editorial teams and shaped coverage of elections such as those presided over by Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair. His career also included roles in broadcast media with appearances on BBC programmes and panels alongside figures from Sky News and other outlets.

Writing and journalism

As a columnist and author he has contributed comment and analysis to national papers, writing on public figures like Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Boris Johnson, and on events such as the 1997 United Kingdom general election and the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum. His books cover subjects ranging from British history to architecture and heritage, engaging with topics related to English Heritage, the conservation of Westminster and accounts of the American Revolution and Napoleonic Wars in comparative histories. He has reviewed literature and culture alongside critics of institutions like the Royal Institute of British Architects and contributors to debates in journals associated with The Spectator and Prospect (magazine). He has also edited collections and written prefaces for works published by presses tied to Oxford University Press and Penguin Books.

Political views and public commentary

His commentary often addresses public policy controversies involving figures such as Theresa May and Rishi Sunak and institutions including House of Commons practices and the role of the Monarchy of the United Kingdom. He has expressed positions on constitutional matters relating to Devolution in the United Kingdom and has been part of discussions around Brexit and its aftermath. His public interventions have led to debates with other columnists and commentators from publications like The Guardian, Daily Telegraph and broadcasters including the BBC and Channel 4.

Honours and awards

Over his career he has received journalism awards and civic recognitions from bodies such as the Society of Editors and media prizes linked to the British Press Awards. He has been invited to deliver lectures at institutions including Chatham House and Royal Geographical Society venues and has served on panels associated with the Historic England advisory network and trusts that award conservation prizes connected to National Trust properties.

Personal life and interests

He has lived in London and in counties associated with English heritage, participating in conservation campaigns involving landmarks in Westminster and rural estates linked to Historic Houses. His interests include architectural history, preservation of ecclesiastical buildings such as those overseen by the Church of England's conservation bodies, and walking routes across regions like the Cotswolds and South Downs National Park. He has been involved with charitable and civic organisations, sitting on boards and trusts that support museums and heritage collections such as those connected to Victoria and Albert Museum networks.

Legacy and influence

His influence is evident in contemporary British journalism through editors and columnists who cite his editorial reforms at titles like the Evening Standard and The Independent on Sunday as formative. His books on architecture and heritage have contributed to debates among conservationists at organisations such as English Heritage and National Trust and informed public discussion on planning controversies involving City of London developments and Greater London Authority planning policy. He is referenced in histories of late-20th and early-21st century British media alongside other notable figures from papers including The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Daily Mail.

Category:British journalists Category:British writers Category:People from Birmingham, West Midlands