Charles Kennedy, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, has died at his home at the age of 55. A statement, released on behalf of his family, said:
It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy. Charles died at home in Fort William yesterday. He was 55. We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days. There will be a post-mortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made.”
Kennedy, who entered Parliament in 1983 aged just 23 as a member of the SDP, led the Liberal Democrats to their best election since the 1923 election in 2005, winning 63 seats in the Commons. He was the only major party leader to oppose the invasion of Iraq and the only Liberal Democrat MP to vote against the coalition with the Conservatives in 2010.
Nick Clegg has paid tribute to his predecessor-but-one in a statement.
Charles devoted his life to public service, yet he had an unusual gift for speaking about politics with humour and humility which touched people well beyond the world of politics. He was a staunch internationalist and passionate believer in Britain’s role in Europe, yet he was a proud Highlander, Scot and British parliamentarian. He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq.”
Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale, described himself as “utterly heartbroken”. “He was a colleague, friend and mentor. We’ve lost a giant today.” Norman Lamb, the MP for North Norfolk, called Kennedy a “lovely, talented man”. “My thoughts are with his young son, his family and friends.”
Kennedy’s death is not being treated as suspicious, police confirmed in a statement.
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