Charles Kennedy, former Liberal Democrat leader, dies aged 55

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...itics-32970337

Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, dies aged 55

Former Liberal Democrat Party leader Charles Kennedy has died at his home in Scotland aged 55, his family has said. The Scottish ex-MP's death was not believed to be suspicious and the cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Mr Kennedy, who led his party from 1999 to 2006, lost his seat in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency in last month's general election.

His family said they felt an "enormous sense of shock" and paid tribute to a fine man and talented politician. They said Mr Kennedy died at home in Fort William on Monday and said they were "devastated". A post-mortem is due to take place.

'Talented politician'

Former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said Mr Kennedy was one of the "most gifted politicians of his generation".

"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 said in a statement. "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."

And Mr Kennedy's predecessor as Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown paid tribute to the politician and tweeted: "Charles Kennedy. In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency." Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Sad beyond words to hear the news about Charlie Kennedy. A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon."

An MP since 1983, Mr Kennedy took over the Liberal Democrat leadership from Mr Ashdown in 1999. In January 2006 he said he had been receiving treatment for an alcohol problem and said he was calling a leadership contest.

Wow, well this is a surprise. I had no time for his politics, although my first awareness of politics as a kid I wanted this guy to be Prime Minister considering how Labour, backed by the Unconservatives, both took this country into Iraq and Charles Kennedy's Liberal Democrats provided some much needed opposition at the time.

RIP.

[Earthquake]

Hope his family are okay, I think maybe it was cancer as death is not confirmed yet

[MKR&*42]

Very sad to hear Some are speculating it's suicide, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Joe]

Regardless of political views, a sad loss like any death is. Hope his family are coping in the best way they can.

[MKR&*42]

Unfortunately, but not unsurprisingly, it was caused by alcohol:

Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy died of a major haemorrhage linked to alcoholism, his family have said.

Mr Kennedy, who led the party between 1999 and 2006, died at his home in Fort William on Monday aged 55.

Following a post-mortem examination, his family issued a statement saying his unexpected death was "a consequence of his battle with alcoholism".

"Ultimately this was an illness Charles could not conquer despite all the efforts he and others made," they said.

[GommeInc]

Horrible news. He was a good politician and impossible to hate, which is a rare thing these days in politics.