FORMER LibDem leader Menzies Campbell has died aged 84, the party has announced. Campbell, often known as Ming, led the party from March 2006 until October 2007.
Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton described Campbell as “one of the most respected politicians of his generation”.
Lord Campbell of Pittenweem was born on May 22 1941 in Glasgow in the midst of the Second World War.
He later claimed he was delivered in an air raid shelter while his father, a joiner, sat outside drinking from a bottle of whisky.
He attended Hillhead High School, then a fee-paying local authority school, from where he won a place to read law at Glasgow University, where his friends included the future Labour politicians John Smith and Donald Dewar.
It was at university that he took up running seriously, representing Britain at the Olympics in the 200 metres and the 4×100 metres relay while studying for a second degree, becoming president of the university union and doing his apprenticeship as a solicitor.
He was called to the Scottish Bar as an Advocate in 1968, becoming Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Party in 1975, and in 1982 a Q.C.
In 1987 Ming won the constituency of North East Fife, for decades a safe Conservative seat with a majority of 1447.
In the House of Commons he served as defence and foreign affairs spokesperson, the shadow secretary of state for foreign affairs in 1997..
He would serve as deputy leader of the LibDems in 2003 before taking over the leadership in 2006.
He was married to his wife, Elspeth, for more than 50 years of marriage until her death in 2023, describing her as “my constant political companion, always my encouragement and forever my first line of defence”.
Campbell passed in London after a period of respite care, the party said, before planning to return to Scotland, at the care facility Kyn Hurlingham. died peacefully in the presence of his grandson.
The former leader reportedly spent one of his final days watching the Liberal Democrats Party Conference, and enjoying watching video messages from political friends.
Cole-Hamilton said: “Ming Campbell was one of the most respected politicians of his generation.
“The first political thing I ever did was to deliver leaflets for Ming on the morning of his first election to Parliament in 1987. He was my MP, he was my mentor and he was my friend.
“From the Olympic track to the benches of Westminster, his contribution to public life will long be remembered.
“My thoughts, and those of my party, are with his family at this time.”
Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, said: “This is a sad day for our party, for liberals everywhere and for me personally. Ming was a guiding light and elder statesman for so many of us.
“He was an esteemed voice on foreign affairs and a true liberal at heart, embodying the values of reason, compassion, and internationalism.
“It was no wonder that he was often described as the best foreign secretary that the UK never had.”
Rennie said that he will “miss him immensely”, adding: "Ming once told me that he was very fortunate to have had three careers in his life in sport, in law and finally in politics. “What was remarkable was that he excelled in all three.
That is why the slogan to secure his re-election in North East Fife - local champion with a national reputation - was so successful that he won with a huge majority of votes.”
Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, said: “In North East Fife, Ming was and remained a significant figure. His contributions to our communities, to the University of St Andrews, as well as to Scotland and the UK were immeasurable.
“Although he found the passing of his beloved Elspeth difficult, rather than retreat, until the last weeks of his life, he was still travelling to London to contribute in the House of Lords.
"After a long career of public service, I am sure he would have had it no other way. I will miss his wise counsel and our regular chats in Parliament which always kept me on my toes.”
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Campbell - one of the most distinguished and well-liked political figures of his generation.
“I first got to know him well as a newly-elected MP where he welcomed me and helped me adapt to life in House of Commons. Over the years since, we often worked together on the many issues on which we agreed.
“Lord Campbell was a passionate believer in a better Scotland but also a strong internationalist – keen to build consensus and find common ground. Those entering public service today could learn much from his style – always forthright in speaking up for what he believed in, but never anything other than respectful, courteous and polite to his political opponents.
“On behalf of the Scottish Government I offer my condolences to Lord Campbell’s family. My thoughts today are with them, his Liberal Democrat colleagues and his many friends across the political spectrum and beyond.”
Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown wrote on Twitter/X: "I remember Menzies Campbell as a fellow Fife MP and a friend who was always great to work with across party lines, who shared a strong sense of social justice and a belief in international cooperation. One of the great leaders of our times and a decent, compassionate man. RIP."
A spokesperson for the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) said: "Ming Campbell had served as president of EMiS and was a lifelong advocate for the UK being at the heart of the EU.
"His support for the European cause was deeply genuine, passionately argued and compelling.
"Our sympathies go to his family and his many friends across the political divide and in many walks of life. All Scotland will be saddened by his passing."
