The journalism and public relations worlds are mourning the loss of Edward Welsh, a respected national newspaper journalist who later became a leading communications director in the public sector. He has died at the age of 63 following a battle with bowel cancer.
From Fleet Street to Public Service
Edward Welsh's career in media was distinguished, with roles at some of the UK's most prominent titles. After training on the Grimsby Evening Telegraph, he joined the Sunday Times as a reporter from 1987 to 1991. He later worked as a feature writer for the Daily Telegraph and held several positions at the Times, including deputy diary editor, deputy foreign editor, and local government correspondent.
However, a pivotal experience reshaped his professional path. During a master's degree at the London School of Economics in 1995, he spent time at the Carter Center in Atlanta, USA. Observing former President Jimmy Carter's work on conflict resolution during the Bosnian war and his dedication to public service inspired Edward to transition his skills into the public sector.
A Distinguished Career in Communications
His first move was to the London Assembly in 2002, followed by a role at the Local Government Association in 2005. Edward then brought his expertise to the transport sector, joining the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) as director of corporate affairs in 2009. In 2013, he became director of communications at the Rail Delivery Group, where he played a key role in industry messaging.
His final appointment was in 2018 as executive director of communications and engagement at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK.
Early Life and Personal Legacy
Born in Orpington, Kent, Edward grew up in a literary and journalistic household in Islington, north London. He was one of four children to author Mary Welsh and Tom Welsh, a former Guardian journalist. Edward was a twin, a bond he said created a strong sense of connection and responsibility to others.
He attended William Ellis school in Gospel Oak before his family moved to Cumbria. After studying history at Bristol University, he forged a career that blended sharp reporting with strategic communication.
In his personal life, he met his partner, education specialist Tony McLeod, in 1998. They entered a civil partnership in 2009 and adopted their two sons, Amari and Jayden, in 2013. The family, along with their black labrador Blu, settled in Crouch End, north London.
Edward lived with his cancer diagnosis for over four years, facing treatment with openness and grace, supported by his family, friends, and his passions for gardening, music, and reading. He is survived by Tony, their sons, his two sisters, Cheryl and Sarah, and his twin brother.
