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Evan Bartlett
Jun 02, 2015
Charles Kennedy, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, passed away at his home in Scotland on Monday night at the age of 55.
As news of his death was shared, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum.
Here's what they had to say:
Tim Farron, Lib Dem MP:
I am utterly heartbroken. I've lost my mate. He was such a decent man. And we all know the troubles he had had but he has been a loyal and decent friend, a superb member of parliament and Britain has lost an absolute giant today.
Lord Ashdown, Lib Dem peer:
It’s not an age hugely overburdened with either gaiety or good sense, but Charles brought us decency, principle, judgement, and above all charm and wit. And it’ll be a loss to all of us.
On form and on song, he was by a mile in my view, the best of us.
Vince Cable, former Lib Dem MP:
[Kennedy was] one of the outstanding political figures of his generation. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his death...
He gave leadership not just to the party but to the country in opposition to the Iraq war, an episode which reflected his shrewd political judgement and political courage under attack.
Tony Blair, former prime minister:
Charles' death is an absolute tragedy. He came into Parliament at the same time as me in 1983. He was throughout his time a lovely, genuine and deeply committed public servant. As leader of the Liberal Democrats, we worked closely together and he was always great company, with a lively and inventive mind. I am very saddened indeed by this news.
Norman Lamb, Lib Dem MP:
He was one of the great talents of his political generation - a wonderful communicator, a fundamentally decent man, never lost his cool. I spent a lot of time working with him. [He] never got angry with people but was immensely persuasive and he will be known, for example, for his stand against the Iraq war.
Nick Clegg, Lib Dem leader:
Charles’s untimely death robs Britain of one of the most gifted politicians of his generation...
He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too.
David Cameron, prime minister:
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.
Alastair Campbell, former Labour strategist:
Charles Kennedy was a lovely man, and a highly talented politician. These are the kind of words that always flow when public figures die, often because people feel they have to say those things, and rightly they are flowing thick and fast today as we mourn an important public figure, and a little bit of hypocrisy from political foes is allowed. But when I say that Charles was a lovely man and a talented politician, I mean it with all my heart.
More: Gentle, unflappable and courageous - Nick Clegg's moving tribute to Charles Kennedy
More: Charles Kennedy - 10 quotes from his career in politics