FORT WILLIAM: Seasoned Scottish politician and former Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy has died at his home aged 55, his family said.
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 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 postmortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made.”
Kennedy led the Liberal Democrats through its most successful period since the 1920s which saw the party win 62 seats in the 2005 general election.
Taking over from Paddy Ashdown in 1999, he went on to lead the party through its most successful period and its best election result since the 1920s at the 2005 contest, winning 62 seats. That success was put down to his leadership and the determined opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
RIP Charles Kennedy. He was a fine and generous man. May God have mercy upon his soul.
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) June 2, 2015
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. — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 2, 2015
I am very sorry to hear the news about Charles Kennedy, he was always a polite and decent man.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 2, 2015
So sorry to hear the very sad news of Charles Kennedy passing away. Thoughts with his family at this difficult time. RIP
— Tasmina Sheikh MP (@TasminaSheikh) June 2, 2015
