John Cole (journalist)

John Cole (born 23 November 1927 in Belfast) is a British journalist and broadcaster. He was the BBC's Political Editor from 1981 to 1992.

John Cole was educated at the Belfast Royal Academy and (externally) at the University of London. During his career as a print journalist, he worked at the Belfast Telegraph, The Guardian and The Observer, rising to become the deputy editor of in turn The Guardian and The Observer.

In 1981 he became political editor for the BBC, and became a familiar figure on television and radio. Cole was an astute observer of the political scene. He correctly forecast Margaret Thatcher's resignation as Prime Minister in 1990.

Since his retirement in 1992 he has written a number of books. His best selling political memoir, As It Seemed To Me, was published in 1995 and his first novel, A Clouded Peace, was published in 2001.

In May 1992 he was awarded an honorary degree from the Open University as Doctor of the University.

Eisenhower Fellowships selected John Cole in 1966 to represent Great Britain.

He is married to Madge and has four sons and nine grandchildren. Although a unionist from a Protestant background, Cole has always identified with the Labour Party . He is also a British Republican.