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Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy dies aged 55 Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy dies aged 55
(7 months later)
Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has died aged 55, his family has said.Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has died aged 55, his family has said.
Mr Kennedy passed away suddenly at his home in Fort William.Mr Kennedy passed away suddenly at his home in Fort William.
Police Scotland said the death is not being treated as suspicious.  A post-mortem is set to be carried out.Police Scotland said the death is not being treated as suspicious.  A post-mortem is set to be carried out.
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.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 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.“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.”“There will be a post-mortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made.”
Mr Kennedy led the Liberal Democrats from 1999 until 2006.Mr Kennedy led the Liberal Democrats from 1999 until 2006.
He was a Member of Parliament from 1983 to 2015 having lost his seat of Ross, Skye, and Lochaber to a challenger from the Scottish National Party last month.He was a Member of Parliament from 1983 to 2015 having lost his seat of Ross, Skye, and Lochaber to a challenger from the Scottish National Party last month.
Mr Kennedy led the Liberal Democrats to their best general election result before or since, in 2005, when they gained 62 seats.Mr Kennedy led the Liberal Democrats to their best general election result before or since, in 2005, when they gained 62 seats.
Much of his party's popularity at the time was gained by Mr Kennedy's decision to oppose the war in Iraq.Much of his party's popularity at the time was gained by Mr Kennedy's decision to oppose the war in Iraq.
He stepped down as leader after considerable speculation about a drinking problem, which he announced he was getting treatment for at the time.He stepped down as leader after considerable speculation about a drinking problem, which he announced he was getting treatment for at the time.
He was the only Liberal Democrat MP to vote against the formation of the coalition in 2010.He was the only Liberal Democrat MP to vote against the formation of the coalition in 2010.
Tributes poured in for Mr Kennedy from senior figures from across the political spectrum.Tributes poured in for Mr Kennedy from senior figures from across the political spectrum.
In a statement outgoing party leader Nick Clegg said: “Charles's untimely death robs Britain of one of the most gifted politicians of his generation.In a statement outgoing party leader Nick Clegg said: “Charles's untimely death robs Britain of 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.“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.
“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 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.“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.
“He led the Liberal Democrats to our party's greatest electoral successes, yet he always remained modest about his huge achievements.“He led the Liberal Democrats to our party's greatest electoral successes, yet he always remained modest about his huge achievements.
“Whenever I asked him for advice, he was unfailingly kind and wise,” the former deputy prime minister added.“Whenever I asked him for advice, he was unfailingly kind and wise,” the former deputy prime minister added.
“Most of all, I will never forget the pride and love with which he would talk about his own family, most especially his devotion to his son Donald.“Most of all, I will never forget the pride and love with which he would talk about his own family, most especially his devotion to his son Donald.
“My heart goes out to his sister and brother and to Sarah and Donald at this tragic time.”“My heart goes out to his sister and brother and to Sarah and Donald at this tragic time.”
On Twitter the former Deputy Prime Minister posted:On Twitter the former Deputy Prime Minister posted:
Charles Kennedy was one of the most gifted politicians of a generation, he always spoke with great humour, humility and courage.
Paddy Ashdown, Mr Kennedy's predecessor as leader of the Liberal Democrats, tweeted:Paddy Ashdown, Mr Kennedy's predecessor as leader of the Liberal Democrats, tweeted:
Charles Kennedy. In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency
  
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
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.
Leadership candidate Tim Farron tweeted:Leadership candidate Tim Farron tweeted:
I am utterly heartbroken about the news of Charles' passing. He was a colleague, friend and mentor. We've lost a giant today.
  
Another, Norman Lamb, said:Another, Norman Lamb, said:
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
Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman tweeted:Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman tweeted:
  
Deeply progressive, a delightful person, with a great intellect. Hugely likeable, Charles Kenedy such a loss.
Warm tributes also flooded in from members of the public:Warm tributes also flooded in from members of the public:
  
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
  
Charles Kennedy deserved a longer life than this. When he was leader voting Lib Dem was an obvious choice. Never did so again after he left.
  
I once found myself doing the washing up and making tea next to Charles Kennedy. Which just about sums him up. Terribly sad news.