Stafford Somerfield (9 January 1911–14 January 1995) was a British newspaper editor.
Born in Barnstaple, Somerfield worked at the Express and Echo, then moved to London as a journalist on the Daily Telegraph and the News Chronicle. During World War II he served with the Gloucestershire Regiment, rising to become a major.[1]
When the war ended, Somerfield joined the News of the World, and in 1960 he was appointed as its editor. He prioritised shocking stories, and printed explicit details of Diana Dors and Christine Keeler's lives. He often fell into conflict with the Press Council, particularly after paying David Smith, chief prosecution witness in the Moors murders case, on condition that the suspects were convicted.[1]
Somerfield opposed Rupert Murdoch's purchase of the News of the World. He refused to resign, and in 1970 instead took an offer of £100,000 to leave. In retirement, he became a judge at Crufts and wrote columns on dog-related matters.[1]
| Media offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Reg Cudlipp? |
Deputy Editor of the News of the World 1953?–1960 |
Succeeded by Cyril Lear |
| Preceded by Reg Cudlipp |
Editor of the News of the World 1960–1970 |
Succeeded by Cyril Lear |