UK

Paddy Ashdown, former Liberal Democrat leader, dies aged 77

Tributes paid to the ‘loyal and generous’ British politician following his death

Paddy Ashdown, former leader of Britain’s Liberal Democrat party, has died at the age of 77. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/Reuters

Sat Dec 22 2018 - 20:49

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77 after a short illness.

The politician and former Royal Marine, who led the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1999, passed away on Saturday evening, a party spokesman said.

Mr Ashdown had revealed in November that he was being treated for bladder cancer.

Vince Cable, the current leader of the Liberal Democrats, said on Saturday that it was "a hugely sad day" for the party and everyone else in politics "who had immense affection and respect for Paddy".

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Mr Cable said: “He was famous for his politics, but his talents extended well beyond that arena.

“He was an accomplished author, and had spent many years serving the country before he got near the House of Commons.

“Few people know how hard he fought to get into politics following his service in the marines and diplomatic service.

"He exercised every ounce of his considerable personal stamina to win the Yeovil seat.

“He was a personal example to me and to many other candidates.”

Mr Ashdown, MP for Yeovil from 1983 to 2001, hit the headlines four years into his leadership when, in 1992, he revealed he had had a five-month affair with his secretary. His marriage to wife Jane survived the scandal.

Knighthood

After stepping down as leader in 1999, Mr Ashdown was knighted. He was subsequently made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon.

He became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2002.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "Paddy was the reason I entered politics. He was the reason I became a liberal.

“And he became a lifelong mentor, friend and guide. Much will, rightly, be said about him in the days ahead. He was a soldier, a diplomat, a writer, a leader, a campaigner, a servant of his constituents, and an international statesman.

“But the thing I admired most in him is that rarest of gifts — a politician without an ounce of cynicism.

“He was the most heartfelt person I have known — loyal and generous to a fault. Like so many others, I will miss him terribly.” – PA

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