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| Tributes to Charles Kennedy: 'his like will not be seen again' | Tributes to Charles Kennedy: 'his like will not be seen again' |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Charles Kennedy entered the House of Commons as the “baby of the house” at just 23. His long years as a politician meant he was well-known and extremely well-liked by MPs of all political colours, as well as journalists. | Charles Kennedy entered the House of Commons as the “baby of the house” at just 23. His long years as a politician meant he was well-known and extremely well-liked by MPs of all political colours, as well as journalists. |
| Despite the problems that affected his last days as Lib Dem leader, as he struggled with alcoholism, his allies and opponents have unfailingly described him as kind but also exceedingly principled – especially in his opposition to the Iraq war and the 2010 Lib Dem coalition with the Conservatives. | Despite the problems that affected his last days as Lib Dem leader, as he struggled with alcoholism, his allies and opponents have unfailingly described him as kind but also exceedingly principled – especially in his opposition to the Iraq war and the 2010 Lib Dem coalition with the Conservatives. |
| These are just some of the tributes being paid to him. | These are just some of the tributes being paid to him. |
| The Kennedy family | The Kennedy family |
| “It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy,” the family said in a statement announcing his death. | “It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy,” the family said in a statement announcing his death. |
| We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. | We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. |
| Nick Clegg | |
| Clegg, one of the 25 Lib Dem MPs who called on Kennedy to quit in 2006 saying they were no longer prepared to serve under him, has been on Sky News speaking about his former boss, as well releasing a statement paying tribute. | Clegg, one of the 25 Lib Dem MPs who called on Kennedy to quit in 2006 saying they were no longer prepared to serve under him, has been on Sky News speaking about his former boss, as well releasing a statement paying tribute. |
| Charles Kennedy, on form, on a good day when he was feeling strong and happy, had more political talent in his little finger than the rest of us put together. | Charles Kennedy, on form, on a good day when he was feeling strong and happy, had more political talent in his little finger than the rest of us put together. |
| It’s just desperately, desperately sad that Charles should have died so young, leaving behind a young son who he was devoted to. Charles was the absolute polar opposite of your cardboard cutout, point-scoring politician. | It’s just desperately, desperately sad that Charles should have died so young, leaving behind a young son who he was devoted to. Charles was the absolute polar opposite of your cardboard cutout, point-scoring politician. |
| He spent over 30 years in the House of Commons, yet throughout that time remained a totally decent human being. He was understated, he was not showy, he was always very thoughtful, very funny. He was an internationalist to his core, believed passionately that Britain should remain part of Europe. | He spent over 30 years in the House of Commons, yet throughout that time remained a totally decent human being. He was understated, he was not showy, he was always very thoughtful, very funny. He was an internationalist to his core, believed passionately that Britain should remain part of Europe. |
| He showed huge courage when he spoke pretty well alone on behalf of the whole country against the invasion of Iraq. He was the most successful leader of the Liberal Democrats since the party was created, by far. | He showed huge courage when he spoke pretty well alone on behalf of the whole country against the invasion of Iraq. He was the most successful leader of the Liberal Democrats since the party was created, by far. |
| David Cameron | |
| The prime minister tweeted his condolences on Tuesday morning, expressing concern for Kennedy’s family. | |
| 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. | 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. |
| Harriet Harman | |
| “Everybody will be shocked and deeply saddened to hear Charles Kennedy has died,” Labour’s interim leader said in a statement. | “Everybody will be shocked and deeply saddened to hear Charles Kennedy has died,” Labour’s interim leader said in a statement. |
| He was someone who fought for social justice and brought courage, wit and humour to everything he did. He had many friends in the Labour party, as he did across the political spectrum and away from Westminster. | He was someone who fought for social justice and brought courage, wit and humour to everything he did. He had many friends in the Labour party, as he did across the political spectrum and away from Westminster. |
| Alastair Campbell | |
| The former Labour spin doctor was a family friend and has written a thoughtful, moving tribute to Kennedy, whom he confided in concerning his own mental health problems. | |
| The blog is in full here, but Campbell specifically pays his respects to Kennedy’s struggles as well as his triumphs. | The blog is in full here, but Campbell specifically pays his respects to Kennedy’s struggles as well as his triumphs. |
| Our shared friendship was also built on a shared enemy, and that is alcohol. That Charles struggled with alcohol is no secret to people in Westminster, or in the Highlands constituency he served so well, for so long, until the SNP tide swept away all but one Scottish Lib Dem at the election last month. | Our shared friendship was also built on a shared enemy, and that is alcohol. That Charles struggled with alcohol is no secret to people in Westminster, or in the Highlands constituency he served so well, for so long, until the SNP tide swept away all but one Scottish Lib Dem at the election last month. |
| He was great company, sober or drinking. He had a fine political mind and a real commitment to public service. He was not bitter about his ousting as leader and nor, though he disagreed often with what his party did in coalition with the Tories, did he ever wander down the rent-a-quote oppositionitis route. He was a man of real talent and real principle. | He was great company, sober or drinking. He had a fine political mind and a real commitment to public service. He was not bitter about his ousting as leader and nor, though he disagreed often with what his party did in coalition with the Tories, did he ever wander down the rent-a-quote oppositionitis route. He was a man of real talent and real principle. |
| Despite the occasional blip when the drink interfered, he was a terrific communicator and a fine orator. He spoke fluent human, because he had humanity in every vein and every cell. | Despite the occasional blip when the drink interfered, he was a terrific communicator and a fine orator. He spoke fluent human, because he had humanity in every vein and every cell. |
| Nicola Sturgeon | |
| Kennedy lost his seat to the SNP in last month’s general election, after being an MP for 32 years. | Kennedy lost his seat to the SNP in last month’s general election, after being an MP for 32 years. |
| The party’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: | The party’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: |
| I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Charles Kennedy and my thoughts today are with his family, friends and party colleagues who will all be devastated by his passing. Charles was a hugely well-respected and well-liked man. | I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Charles Kennedy and my thoughts today are with his family, friends and party colleagues who will all be devastated by his passing. Charles was a hugely well-respected and well-liked man. |
| He was without doubt one of the towering political talents of his generation – a sharp debater, who deployed knowledge, experience and wit to wonderful effect. He will be remembered – amongst his many other achievements – for his principled opposition to the war in Iraq and leading his party to its best ever election result. | He was without doubt one of the towering political talents of his generation – a sharp debater, who deployed knowledge, experience and wit to wonderful effect. He will be remembered – amongst his many other achievements – for his principled opposition to the war in Iraq and leading his party to its best ever election result. |
| Charles devoted his life to serving Scotland and his beloved Highlands. His passion for making our country a better place to live is his lasting legacy. I am proud to have known Charles Kennedy and our country today is the poorer for his passing. | Charles devoted his life to serving Scotland and his beloved Highlands. His passion for making our country a better place to live is his lasting legacy. I am proud to have known Charles Kennedy and our country today is the poorer for his passing. |
| The SNP’s Ian Blackford won Kennedy’s Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency on 7 May. Blackford recalled a “bright, articulate and gregarious” opponent, who he said had been someone who could “rise above party politics”. | The SNP’s Ian Blackford won Kennedy’s Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency on 7 May. Blackford recalled a “bright, articulate and gregarious” opponent, who he said had been someone who could “rise above party politics”. |
| I recall election night in 1999 – not a good night for the SNP, but Charles showed tremendous kindness and support that evening. I will never forget that. On the doorstep in the constituency there was undoubtedly a lot of warmth expressed toward him – and he had helped a lot of people during his time as an MP. His humanity and kind nature endeared him to so many. | I recall election night in 1999 – not a good night for the SNP, but Charles showed tremendous kindness and support that evening. I will never forget that. On the doorstep in the constituency there was undoubtedly a lot of warmth expressed toward him – and he had helped a lot of people during his time as an MP. His humanity and kind nature endeared him to so many. |
| Lembit Opik | |
| The former Lib Dem MP, a friend of Kennedy’s, drew attention to the loneliness and heartache often experienced by MPs after they lose their seats, and called for more support for politicians with mental health issues. | |
| He told the Guardian: | He told the Guardian: |
| I suspect Charles didn’t expect to lose. Charles’s whole life was politics and the House of Commons. The loss would have been catastrophic for him. There is suddenly an empty space in your life. | I suspect Charles didn’t expect to lose. Charles’s whole life was politics and the House of Commons. The loss would have been catastrophic for him. There is suddenly an empty space in your life. |
| The sad thing is that he really could have been the man to destigmatise the taboo of alcoholism. But people were obsessed with pushing him out, when he could have been not just a great leader but also a role model to the millions of people struggling with the same thing. These are the same colleagues who are now coming out to pay tribute. | The sad thing is that he really could have been the man to destigmatise the taboo of alcoholism. But people were obsessed with pushing him out, when he could have been not just a great leader but also a role model to the millions of people struggling with the same thing. These are the same colleagues who are now coming out to pay tribute. |
| It would be good to see a lot more support for MPs or ex-MPs struggling to cope, those with depression or mental health problems because you don’t choose to have alcoholism, the same way you don’t choose to have something like multiplesclerosis. | |
| Politicians make colossal personal sacrifices, as well as financial ones. And the public perception is so negative of politicians, that does have an effect on you. | Politicians make colossal personal sacrifices, as well as financial ones. And the public perception is so negative of politicians, that does have an effect on you. |
| Tributes from the Liberal Democrats | Tributes from the Liberal Democrats |
| Lib Dem leadership contender Tim Farron was one of the first to highlight how much political life had meant to Kennedy. | Lib Dem leadership contender Tim Farron was one of the first to highlight how much political life had meant to Kennedy. |
| I think it had been difficult for him, he was somebody who was a towering figure even from an early age, the Liberal Democrats wouldn’t have existed without Charles Kennedy. | I think it had been difficult for him, he was somebody who was a towering figure even from an early age, the Liberal Democrats wouldn’t have existed without Charles Kennedy. |
| It was his oratory, his persuasive way of speaking that meant he was able to bring people who weren’t sure about that merger [the SDP and the Liberals] and make sure it actually happened. His like will not be seen again. We can all learn from him, to take people seriously not just as electoral units. | It was his oratory, his persuasive way of speaking that meant he was able to bring people who weren’t sure about that merger [the SDP and the Liberals] and make sure it actually happened. His like will not be seen again. We can all learn from him, to take people seriously not just as electoral units. |
| His predecessor as leader, Paddy Ashdown, told the BBC that the party would feel the loss of his influence very keenly. “He is a loss to the Liberal Democrats when we can ill afford to lose a man of that calibre and stature,” he said. | |
| His judgment on the Iraq war was outstandingly good, opposing the entire political establishment and getting it right, and he got the reward for that at the election that followed when he achieved the greatest number of Liberal Democrat MPs than any before him. | His judgment on the Iraq war was outstandingly good, opposing the entire political establishment and getting it right, and he got the reward for that at the election that followed when he achieved the greatest number of Liberal Democrat MPs than any before him. |
| He had his demons, we all have our demons, but when he was on form, on song, Charles was the best of all of us. One’s heart just goes out to his family. It has been a very difficult time for him, he lost his seat, at the beginning of the election campaign he lost his father. | He had his demons, we all have our demons, but when he was on form, on song, Charles was the best of all of us. One’s heart just goes out to his family. It has been a very difficult time for him, he lost his seat, at the beginning of the election campaign he lost his father. |
| Former Lib Dem MP Evan Harris told the Guardian that often overlooked were Kennedy’s nerves of steel in the face of intense pressure, throughout his political career. His backbone was his defining characteristic, Harris said. | Former Lib Dem MP Evan Harris told the Guardian that often overlooked were Kennedy’s nerves of steel in the face of intense pressure, throughout his political career. His backbone was his defining characteristic, Harris said. |
| When he stood up to David Owen over the merger of the SDP and the Liberal party, he was under huge pressure. He was only 28, facing down the man who had been his political mentor. That took great courage. | When he stood up to David Owen over the merger of the SDP and the Liberal party, he was under huge pressure. He was only 28, facing down the man who had been his political mentor. That took great courage. |
| Then of course, there was his opposition to the Iraq war. In the re-writing of history, people forget how difficult that was, standing up to the entire political establishment, and against public opinion, which was very much in favour of the war. He was surrounded by heckling and haranguing on all sides of the house and he stood his ground.” | Then of course, there was his opposition to the Iraq war. In the re-writing of history, people forget how difficult that was, standing up to the entire political establishment, and against public opinion, which was very much in favour of the war. He was surrounded by heckling and haranguing on all sides of the house and he stood his ground.” |
| Vince Cable has also emphasised Kennedy’s courage and conviction, as well as his electoral success. | Vince Cable has also emphasised Kennedy’s courage and conviction, as well as his electoral success. |
| The former business secretary, who, like Kennedy, lost his seat on 7 May, said: | The former business secretary, who, like Kennedy, lost his seat on 7 May, said: |
| He led the Lib Dems to its two most successful election results, in 2001 and 2005. 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. | He led the Lib Dems to its two most successful election results, in 2001 and 2005. 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. |
| Willie Rennie, Scottish Lib Dem leader, emphasised Kennedy’s dedication to the country of his birth. | Willie Rennie, Scottish Lib Dem leader, emphasised Kennedy’s dedication to the country of his birth. |
| With that cheeky smile, Highland voice and a few simple words, Charles Kennedy captured the political hearts of the nation. Charles had a unique combination of political talent and public affection. He had a healthy disdain for policy detail but had highly tuned political instincts. | With that cheeky smile, Highland voice and a few simple words, Charles Kennedy captured the political hearts of the nation. Charles had a unique combination of political talent and public affection. He had a healthy disdain for policy detail but had highly tuned political instincts. |
| He was in his element on the campaign trail – stealing the show in a TV debate on independence, a joust with opponents in a public meeting in Portree or greeting people on the streets of Dunfermline. | He was in his element on the campaign trail – stealing the show in a TV debate on independence, a joust with opponents in a public meeting in Portree or greeting people on the streets of Dunfermline. |
| His wise counsel and gentle encouragement is something I especially valued. I will miss him so much. | His wise counsel and gentle encouragement is something I especially valued. I will miss him so much. |
| Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem former Scottish secretary, has posted a tribute on his blog. | Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem former Scottish secretary, has posted a tribute on his blog. |
| Much has already been said about his personal warmth as an individual and his ability, as a result, to connect with voters. All that is undoubtedly true, but I hope that he will be remembered for a lot more. | Much has already been said about his personal warmth as an individual and his ability, as a result, to connect with voters. All that is undoubtedly true, but I hope that he will be remembered for a lot more. |
| His political judgment on the decision to go to war in Iraq was a textbook example of how to balance political principle with the demands of national political office. | |
| Sir Menzies Campbell entered the Commons the same year as Kennedy. He told the Guardian: | Sir Menzies Campbell entered the Commons the same year as Kennedy. He told the Guardian: |
| The 20 years between us meant nothing, because we had the heritage of Glasgow University – we were both presidents of the union. We also had a common view of the importance of the Highland tradition. He was regarded by the public as not like other politicians because of his distaste for adversarial politics. That strengthened his appeal as well as giving rise to a deep respect. | The 20 years between us meant nothing, because we had the heritage of Glasgow University – we were both presidents of the union. We also had a common view of the importance of the Highland tradition. He was regarded by the public as not like other politicians because of his distaste for adversarial politics. That strengthened his appeal as well as giving rise to a deep respect. |
| Tributes from the Conservatives | Tributes from the Conservatives |
| Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, was one of the first MPs who spoke about Kennedy when news of his death broke. | Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, was one of the first MPs who spoke about Kennedy when news of his death broke. |
| When things like this happen, it puts everything else into perspective. He was only 55, that is tragically young. He was a giant of British politics. | When things like this happen, it puts everything else into perspective. He was only 55, that is tragically young. He was a giant of British politics. |
| I suppose the thing that strikes me is that we are in an era where people are quite cynical and suspicious of politicians, they tend to think we are out of touch and he was someone who really had the common touch. | I suppose the thing that strikes me is that we are in an era where people are quite cynical and suspicious of politicians, they tend to think we are out of touch and he was someone who really had the common touch. |
| He was principled, he was brave, but he had a way of connecting with people. I was alway impressed with his personal bravery; being leader of Lib Dems in a rowdy House of Commons is pretty difficult. He was pretty much on his own in opposition to the Iraq war, and was a man of great principle whether or not you agreed with him. | He was principled, he was brave, but he had a way of connecting with people. I was alway impressed with his personal bravery; being leader of Lib Dems in a rowdy House of Commons is pretty difficult. He was pretty much on his own in opposition to the Iraq war, and was a man of great principle whether or not you agreed with him. |
| Many current and former members of the cabinet have been remembering Kennedy with praise on social media. | Many current and former members of the cabinet have been remembering Kennedy with praise on social media. |
| Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Charles Kennedy. A man of great wit and personal kindness. Missed by many beyond public life | Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Charles Kennedy. A man of great wit and personal kindness. Missed by many beyond public life |
| Very sad to hear about Charles Kennedy. Thoughts with his family and many friends. RIP | Very sad to hear about Charles Kennedy. Thoughts with his family and many friends. RIP |
| Charles Kennedy was known by everybody & liked by everybody across the political spectrum. Very sad to lose such a talented person so young. | Charles Kennedy was known by everybody & liked by everybody across the political spectrum. Very sad to lose such a talented person so young. |
| Very saddened to hear about the death of Charles Kennedy: a devoted public servant, a gifted Parliamentarian, and a man of great warmth. | Very saddened to hear about the death of Charles Kennedy: a devoted public servant, a gifted Parliamentarian, and a man of great warmth. |
| Tributes from the Labour party | Tributes from the Labour party |
| Ed Miliband has tweeted his condolences. | |
| 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. | 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. |
| Jim Murphy, Scottish Labour leader, said Kennedy was “a man I was proud to call a friend” and recalled his kind words of advice as a 29-year-old Murphy entered the House of Commons. “He didn’t have to, but he did. That’s just the kind of man he was.” | Jim Murphy, Scottish Labour leader, said Kennedy was “a man I was proud to call a friend” and recalled his kind words of advice as a 29-year-old Murphy entered the House of Commons. “He didn’t have to, but he did. That’s just the kind of man he was.” |
| Despite the sadness, those of us who knew him will remember the good times. We will look back at Charles’s wit and good humour. In years to come we will remember with a smile the delight in knowing him, his huge contribution to politics and a life lost too soon. | Despite the sadness, those of us who knew him will remember the good times. We will look back at Charles’s wit and good humour. In years to come we will remember with a smile the delight in knowing him, his huge contribution to politics and a life lost too soon. |
| The greatest tribute I could pay to Charles is that I always wished he was Labour, because he was so talented and popular with the general public. He will be sadly missed across Scotland and the whole United Kingdom. | The greatest tribute I could pay to Charles is that I always wished he was Labour, because he was so talented and popular with the general public. He will be sadly missed across Scotland and the whole United Kingdom. |
| Gordon Brown revealed in his tribute to Kennedy that he once attempted to get him to defect to the Labour party. | |
| 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. The last time I was in touch with him was to pass on condolences when his father, with whom he remained very close, sadly died just before the 2015 election. | 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. The last time I was in touch with him was to pass on condolences when his father, with whom he remained very close, sadly died just before the 2015 election. |
| He was a man who had even greater potential that will now forever remain unfulfilled and his loss will be felt deeply by all of us, particularly those who care about progressive values. | He was a man who had even greater potential that will now forever remain unfulfilled and his loss will be felt deeply by all of us, particularly those who care about progressive values. |
| Tony Blair, who clashed with Kennedy notably over the Iraq war, also paid tribute. | |
| Charles’s 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. | Charles’s 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. |
| Other senior Labour figures have also been paying tribute on social media. | Other senior Labour figures have also been paying tribute on social media. |
| Politics always seems to lose the people it needs most. Charles Kennedy was warm, generous, genuine & principled. Will miss him greatly. | Politics always seems to lose the people it needs most. Charles Kennedy was warm, generous, genuine & principled. Will miss him greatly. |
| Charles Kennedy was a kind man, a good dad and a substantial political leader. We will all miss him. Hope his family are given privacy. | Charles Kennedy was a kind man, a good dad and a substantial political leader. We will all miss him. Hope his family are given privacy. |
| So very sad to hear of the passing of Charles Kennedy. In many ways non tribal and knew how to connect politics to people. A great loss | So very sad to hear of the passing of Charles Kennedy. In many ways non tribal and knew how to connect politics to people. A great loss |
| So very sad about Charles Kennedy. Met him on @bbcquestiontime: a clever, thoughtful & kind man who'll be missed by politicians on all sides | So very sad about Charles Kennedy. Met him on @bbcquestiontime: a clever, thoughtful & kind man who'll be missed by politicians on all sides |
| Terribly sad news that Charles Kennedy has died. Deeply thoughtful man as well as so warm & funny to talk to. Thoughts with his family | Terribly sad news that Charles Kennedy has died. Deeply thoughtful man as well as so warm & funny to talk to. Thoughts with his family |
| And finally … | And finally … |
| One of Kennedy’s fans as a youngster has posted the kind letter the then MP wrote in response to a query about his favourite Muppets character. | One of Kennedy’s fans as a youngster has posted the kind letter the then MP wrote in response to a query about his favourite Muppets character. |
| It seems the answer is “Gonzo”, despite his Tory-blue hue. | It seems the answer is “Gonzo”, despite his Tory-blue hue. |
| This is the letter sent in full to Phil Lucas in 2004. | This is the letter sent in full to Phil Lucas in 2004. |
| Years ago I wrote to Charles Kennedy & asked him who his favourite muppet was. I've just found his reply. A lovely man pic.twitter.com/jxahBmnJ | Years ago I wrote to Charles Kennedy & asked him who his favourite muppet was. I've just found his reply. A lovely man pic.twitter.com/jxahBmnJ |
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