Graham “Richo” Richardson, the longtime former Labor senator, party powerbroker and media commentator, has died at 76.
He died at 3.50am on Saturday, following weeks of influenza and pneumonia, his wife and son told 2GB Breakfast host Ben Fordham, who announced the news.
“Darcy and Amanda have asked me to share the news with everyone that sadly Richo has passed away in the early hours of this morning,” Fordham said.
Famed Labor powerbroker Graham Richardson has died.Credit: Ben Appleton
Richardson served as a NSW senator in federal parliament between 1983 and 1994. He was, at the time, the youngest elected senator, aged 33 when he first arrived at parliament.
He served as a cabinet minister under prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, variously as minister for social security, transport and communications, health and the environment.
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After leaving politics, he became a political commentator. He appeared on Channel 7’s election night coverage for years, and since 2011 hosted Richo, an evening commentary program on Sky News. He also led Richo + Jones, a joint program with former broadcaster Alan Jones.
The outspoken Labor veteran had battled cancer for years, but remained active in the media until as late as September this year.
Fordham recounted: “When he had his big health challenge, he said to his wife Amanda, ‘I’m going to live till I see Darcy finish exams and his HSC’. Darcy did his last HSC exam on Thursday, which was his French exam. And Richo died this morning.”