OF retires as a regional political journalist after 43 years in the industry

Paul Geater (R68-77) retired from the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star on Thursday 12 June 2025.

He had worked for Eastern Counties Newspapers’ Group and its successor companies Archant and Newsquest for his entire 43-year career.  He was one of seven trainees on the first ECNG training course in Norwich in January 1982 and is the last to leave the business.

Between 1983 and 1991 he worked at branch offices in Bury St Edmunds, Halesworth and Leiston as a district chief reporter before transferring to the Ipswich office in 1991.  After volunteering to cover the 1992 general election he has specialised in politics ever since, becoming political correspondent for both the Star and EADT in 2010.

He said in his final column: “Life has certainly changed in EADT journalism since I started at the Bury office in 1982. When I was working in Leiston the following year we would put our stories on the 4pm Eastern Counties bus for them to be picked up in Ipswich. Now my colleagues are using AI to help them out!

“I’ve been specialising, although not exclusively so, in politics and local government ever since the 1992 general election – but it’s a subject that has fascinated me since I was a schoolboy.  When I was a student at UEA in the late 70s I joined the Conservative Association. I later joined the Shirley Williams/Roy Jenkins SDP – but once I got my dream job as a reporter I was never a member of any party. That’s unlikely to change.

Paul went on to pay tribute to some of his colleagues who are no longer with us including David Henshall, who initially gave him the politics brief.  He wrote: “He was acting editor of the Star in 1992 when I asked him if I could cover that year’s general election. He said: “Do you really want to do politics? Well dear boy get on with it and don’t hash it up!”

Since then Paul has gone on to cover nine general elections, and a parliamentary by-election in Ipswich in 2001, as well as annual council elections.

He won’t be totally turning his back on news, however, as he will be continuing to do some voluntary work for local community radio station Suffolk Sound.

Former EADT Editor and OF Terry Hunt (K68-75) has known “Geats” since they were both at Fram together.  He said “He cut quite a dash, aged nine, in a blazer and grey shorts!”.  He went on to say “At the EADT/Star, he has always been a real force of nature – a significant figure in the newsroom. His unrivalled knowledge of Suffolk and Ipswich, his interest in politics, and his love of creating a little bit of mischief have been invaluable for decades.

Geats has been greatly respected – and a little bit feared – by Suffolk’s decision-makers, who have known that he has his beady eye on what they’re up to. I’m sure his presence has stopped many really daft decisions about spending our money!

Most of all, he has always been fair-minded, never one to indulge in a vendetta, and with Geats it never gets personal. Always professional.

One thing is certain. Local politicians from all parties won’t miss his often hard-hitting opinion piece each Thursday.

His enthusiasm for a good story has never dimmed. I helped him recently with a story which shone a light on a piece of bureaucratic nonsense, and he was simply bubbling with it. And that’s after more than 40 years as a reporter!

Just as importantly, he has always been fun. Ever ready to laugh at himself – especially when donning outrageous outfits for various stories. I remember the Frenchman, complete with bike, onions and stripy T-shirt. And, of course, the “Fake Sheikh.” Great fun…

Most importantly of all, Geats has been a valued, respected and greatly liked colleague to literally hundreds of EADT and Star journalists over the years. Genial, helpful, and kind. A great guy.

Thanks for everything, Geats – I’m sure you’ll enjoy spending more time with your trains, at Minsmere, enjoying a beer or a glass of red, or watching some dubious new superhero movie! “

We’re delighted that Paul and his wife will be joining us at the 1970s reunion at the College on 5 July.

The picture below was taken by Lucy Taylor of the EADT on his final day.