Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has died at his home aged 55. Following the loss of his seat to the SNP last month – after 32 years as an MP – Kennedy said it had been the “greatest privilege” of his life to have been an member of parliament.
Universally heartfelt tributes flooded in from politicians on Twitter this morning. Former Labour deputy leader John Prescott – deputy at the time of the 2003 war – said in his tribute on Twitter that Kennedy had been vindicated on Iraq: “So sad to hear of Charles Kennedy’s passing. He proved to be right on Iraq. History will be as kind to him as he was to others. A great loss.”
Nick Clegg led the tributes to one of the party’s best-known faces: “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.”
Charles Kennedy was one of the most gifted politicians of a generation, he always spoke with great humour, humility and courage.
— Nick Clegg (@nick_clegg) June 2, 2015
We’d like to hear your tributes to Kennedy, who led the Lib Dems in two elections and led the party to its greatest electoral success, in the comment thread below. You can also share your submit photo or video memories of him via GuardianWitness.
We will feature a selection in our coverage. Thanks to those who have already shared their stories and thoughts, including these readers:
RIP Charles Kennedy. He was the reason the Lib Dem party always got my vote at the general elections when I voted.
Charlies was a very very decent guy, not too critical of others, yet would get his point across and make people think. His stance on the Itaq war, along with others, was courageous.
I could agree with many of his views excepting union, however he"d be happy to chat, knowing a vote would not be forthcoming. His personal vote can not be understated in how he held his seat for 32 years. Surprisingly with such a majority he never took the electorate for granted.
Going forward it is tragic he will not be here to articulate to the electorate the benefits of the EU and the folly of leaving it.
He will be sorely missed by family, friends, his old electorate,, Scotland and beyond, I wish them well!
I sent him a letter once with some suggestions about potential cycle paths on Skye.
I received a very thorough letter back from him with his signature at the bottom in fountain pen.
Always came across as a man of great intelligence and one couldn't help but admire his passion regardless of which side of the political fence they fall. Also had a phenomenal sense of humour and personable qualities. His ability to laugh at himself and not take things too seriously shone through when he went on programmes like HIGNFY. Rest in peace Mr. Kennedy