Sky News’ Peter Spencer retires from news reporting

Sky’s Peter Spencer has retired from news reporting.

He became a Political Correspondent for Sky in 1991 and has over thirty years experience both as a print journalist on Fleet Street, and as a broadcaster.

Peter’s career began as a reporter on his local paper in Essex. From there he moved to the Fleet Street News Agency, then worked as a reporter and sub-editor on three national newspapers.

In the mid-seventies he became a political correspondent on IRN/LBC Radio.

He joined Sky in 1990 as a producer of a political satire show called ‘Left, Right, and Centre’. In a Q and A with this site, Peter said: “The ratings showed it would have saved money to sell the satellite and bike videos to each viewer.”

Colleagues and fellow journalists have paid tribute to the flamboyant correspondent via Twitter..

Sad day today for Sky News Millbank – we're bidding farewell to the legend that is Peter Spencer. He'll be missed.

— Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) February 26, 2013

Favourite Peter Spencer moment? When his mobile rang as he was live with his ringtone Barbie Girl by Aqua.

— Ed Staite (@edstaite) February 26, 2013

@PeterSpencer …the LEGEND is hanging up the cape and picking up his guitar fulltime. Who next to add pose to a LIVE with such panache?

— Light Hackers (@LightHackers) February 26, 2013

Sad to see Peter Spencer is retiring from Sky News, I shadowed him during an internship once. Legendary character http://t.co/RiQ7Mw6gcP

— Anna Slater (@AnnaELGuardian) February 26, 2013

@SkyNews' most excellent Peter Spencer retires? Tell me it ain't so. Called it as he saw it and with a nice turn of phrase

— steve punter (@stephenpunter) February 26, 2013

Can't believe we won't be seeing Peter Spencer at weekends on Sky News any longer. A dark day. Happy pink retirement Peter!

— Iain Dale (@IainDale) February 26, 2013

Westminster just won't be the same without his pink BMW, monocle, cigarette holder and cape. Time to raise a glass, methinks.

— Niall Paterson (@skynewsniall) February 26, 2013

My favourite Peter Spencer fact? He once had the licence plate A11 UVY – which when spaced properly reads "A1 Luvvie". Star.

— Niall Paterson (@skynewsniall) February 26, 2013

Good luck @peterspencer a great reporter with unique style and class

— Angus Walker (@anguswalkertalk) February 26, 2013

Sad that fab politics journo & all-round top bloke Peter Spencer has retired from our screens. Pic by @CartoonShawn pic.twitter.com/VEFfi6SCly

— up north with tinsel (@gerardtubb) February 26, 2013