Brian Curtois has provided this obituary of David Holmes:

DAVID HOLMES

David Holmes, political  editor of the BBC from 1975-80, died on Friday, Feb 28, in hospital near Bungay (Suffolk) after a long illness. This followed a heart operation last October. He was 87.

David joined the BBC as a home news reporter in 1956. He went to Westminster as an Assistant Political Correspondent in 1961. He became Deputy Political Editor in 1970. With his commanding television personality, he was an outstanding presenter of the weekly political review programme on  BBC Two.

A year later he left Westminster to become the first editor of the Radio Four Arts programme “Kaleidoscope.” But he returned to Westminster as Political Editor in 1975. In the same year, he provided the commentary on the first live transmission from the House of Commons on BBC radio.

In 1980 he moved into BBC management using his political expertise as Chief Assistant to the Director General, Ian Trethowan. Later he became  Secretary of the BBC. He retired in 1985.

David Holmes’ most recent appearance on television came in February 2013, when he was interviewed on the BBC Parliament Channel’s programmes marking the 50th anniversary of Harold Wilson’s election as Leader of the Labour Party in February 1963. His interview with Wilson on his resignation as Prime Minister in March 1976 was also included.

David  had a wide love of the arts, especially opera. In retirement he organised 13 seasons of classical chamber concerts close to his home in Suffolk.

He leaves two daughters and three grandchildren. He was married twice. His second wife, Linda Alexander, was a Newsnight presenter from 1980-83.

The funeral will take place at Walpole Old Chapel, Walpole, Halesworth, Suffolk,  IP19 9AZ, on Thursday, March 20 at 2pm.
www.walpoleoldchapel.co.uk