Former Liberal Democrat leader and MP Charles Kennedy has died at his home in Scotland at the age of 55. Kennedy first entered parliament in 1983 at the age of 23—then the youngest ever MP. He lost his seat last month to the SNP.
Kennedy was well-known and liked across Westminster, his constituency and beyond. As leader of his party from 1999-2006 he did much to develop them as an electoral force—in 2005 they won 62 MPs, still their best result of the modern era. A vocal opponent of the Iraq war, Kennedy forged a path to the left of New Labour for his party, turning it into a home for many progressives tired of the Blair government.
Kennedy spoke out during his life about his struggle with alcoholism, the disease leading him to give up his leadership in 2006.
We've run through some of what people across the political spectrum have been saying below, but first, a rather touching anecdote from the Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral:
Addressing the Commons, the Speaker John Bercow had this to say:
"He was a principled, progressive and passionate politician, and very importantly, a proud parliamentarian. In an age of of pervasive cynicism amount politics, and politicians, Charles had that rare and uncanny capacity to cut through to large numbers of voters of all political persuasions, and of none. He was doubtless assisted in that by his obvious sincerity, his relaxed style and his geniality. I know he was widely liked and respected in all parts of this House and he will be sadly missed"
From Kennedy's predecessor as leader Paddy Ashdown:
Hopeful Liberal Democrat leaders, Tim Farron and Norman Lamb have tweeted:
Tony Blair's former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, a friend of Kennedy's, has written a moving blog in tribute, which as well as highlighting Kennedy's many qualities at length, also touches on a shared health problem:
Former Labour leader, Ed Miliband tweeted:
Gordon Brown admitted he once tried to convince Charles Kennedy to join Labour: “The first time I met Charles in 1983 – we entered parliament from Scotland at the same time – I had recognised his ability and asked him to join the Labour Party. He politely declined"
Harriet Harman, Labour's interim leader, is just one of the many Labour frontbenchers to have paid tribute this morning:
And David Lammy, who like Kennedy spent a period as "baby of the house"—parliament's youngest MP—had this memory to share:
The Prime Minister had led his party's tributes:
But politicians from across the party have been sending their condolences, including this emotional tweet from Nick Boles, the MP for Grantham and skills minister:
Former First Minister, Alex Salmond:
Kennedy was well-known and liked across Westminster, his constituency and beyond. As leader of his party from 1999-2006 he did much to develop them as an electoral force—in 2005 they won 62 MPs, still their best result of the modern era. A vocal opponent of the Iraq war, Kennedy forged a path to the left of New Labour for his party, turning it into a home for many progressives tired of the Blair government.
Kennedy spoke out during his life about his struggle with alcoholism, the disease leading him to give up his leadership in 2006.
We've run through some of what people across the political spectrum have been saying below, but first, a rather touching anecdote from the Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral:
I once got lost at night in London Zoo with Charles Kennedy, leaving a recep'n. I can still see him laughing by the aardvarks. RIP @LibDems
— Mark Oakley (@CanonOakley) June 2, 2015
Addressing the Commons, the Speaker John Bercow had this to say:
"He was a principled, progressive and passionate politician, and very importantly, a proud parliamentarian. In an age of of pervasive cynicism amount politics, and politicians, Charles had that rare and uncanny capacity to cut through to large numbers of voters of all political persuasions, and of none. He was doubtless assisted in that by his obvious sincerity, his relaxed style and his geniality. I know he was widely liked and respected in all parts of this House and he will be sadly missed"
Liberal Democrats
Nick Clegg paid tribute to Kennedy in a statement this morning:
From Kennedy's predecessor as leader Paddy Ashdown:
Charles Kennedy. In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency — Paddy Ashdown (@paddyashdown) June 2, 2015From Lib Dem MP Tom Brake:
Politics diminished by Charles ennedy's death. His wit, compassion, principle and opposition to the Iraq war will never be forgotten #fb — Tom Brake MP (@thomasbrake) June 2, 2015
Hopeful Liberal Democrat leaders, Tim Farron and Norman Lamb have tweeted:
I am utterly heartbroken about the news of Charles' passing. He was a colleague, friend and mentor. We've lost a giant today. — Tim Farron (@timfarron) June 2, 2015
The untimely death of Charles Kennedy - such a tragic loss of a lovely, talented man. My thoughts r with his young son, his family & friends
— Norman Lamb (@normanlamb) June 2, 2015
Labour
Tony Blair's former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, a friend of Kennedy's, has written a moving blog in tribute, which as well as highlighting Kennedy's many qualities at length, also touches on a shared health problem:
TB: Charles' death is a tragedy. He was a lovely, genuine and committed public servant. I am saddened by this news. http://t.co/Eh0h5JdQZk — Tony Blair Office (@tonyblairoffice) June 2, 2015
Former Labour leader, Ed Miliband tweeted:
Charles Kennedy was a principled, decent man who stood up for what he believed.His death is a tragic loss.My heart goes out to his family. — Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) June 2, 2015
Gordon Brown admitted he once tried to convince Charles Kennedy to join Labour: “The first time I met Charles in 1983 – we entered parliament from Scotland at the same time – I had recognised his ability and asked him to join the Labour Party. He politely declined"
Harriet Harman, Labour's interim leader, is just one of the many Labour frontbenchers to have paid tribute this morning:
And David Lammy, who like Kennedy spent a period as "baby of the house"—parliament's youngest MP—had this memory to share:
Always generous he made a point of reaching out to me when I arrived in the HOC.He said "babies of the house" should stick together. #RIPCK — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 2, 2015
Conservatives
The Prime Minister had led his party's tributes:
I'm deeply saddened by the death of Charles Kennedy. He was a talented politician who has died too young. My thoughts are with his family. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 2, 2015
But politicians from across the party have been sending their condolences, including this emotional tweet from Nick Boles, the MP for Grantham and skills minister:
I did not know Charlie Kennedy. But I will miss the twinkle in his eye and sound of his voice, so often on the verge of laughter. — Nick Boles (@NickBolesMP) June 2, 2015Mayor of London, and Conservative MP, Boris Johnson had this to say:
Very sad to hear about Charles Kennedy. I knew him for 20 years as a man who was good fun & kind - thinking of his family most of all today. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 2, 2015
SNP
Nicola Sturgeon has joined her fellow party leaders in paying tribute:First Minister @NicolaSturgeon pays tribute to Charles Kennedy - http://t.co/QXu9YguJEf — First Minister (@ScotGovFM) June 2, 2015Kennedy's SNP opponent Ian Blackford, who unseated him at the last General election but was also friends with Kennedy, had this to say on Today this morning: "[Kennedy was] a bright, breezy, articulate, gregarious, fun loving man... I've known Charles a long time, and he was a very kind man. I remember after election night in 1999... I remember tremendous kindness and support from Charles that evening. That is the memory I will live with; someone who could rise above party politics. A very decent, honest man."
Former First Minister, Alex Salmond:
And finally, this from the comedian Phil Lucas (the answer was Gonzo):Charles Kennedy was by far the most generous person I have ever met in politics. Sad loss of a great politician and, above all, a great man.
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) June 2, 2015
When I wrote to Charles Kennedy in 2004 and asked him who his favourite muppet was, he was the only party leader to write back. — Phil Lucas (@PhilLucas) June 2, 2015
