ISTANBUL
Tributes have been pouring in following the sudden death of one of the U.K.’s most high-profile politicians.
Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, was found dead at the age of 55, at his Fort William home in the Scottish Highlands on Monday.
Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement, Kennedy’s family said: “It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.”
"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."
Kennedy had been a member of the House of Commons since 1983 for the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency only to lose his seat to the pro-independence Scottish National Party in last month’s U.K. general election.
The divorced father of one had been leader of his party between 1999 and 2006. A high-profile figure, Kennedy was a regular fixture on U.K. television, earning him the sobriquet “Chatshow Charlie”.
An engaging and articulate speaker, Kennedy took his party – traditionally third-placed behind the dominant Labour and Conservative parties – to one of its best election results in 2005, winning 62 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons.
Kennedy was also an outspoken critic of the decision by the U.K. government – led by former PM Tony Blair – to support the United States in its war in Iraq.
However, Kennedy’s career was later blighted by alcohol problems – an issue which he admitted shortly after stepping down as party leader.
Speaking after the country’s May 7 election, in which he lost the seat he had held for 32 years, Kennedy said: “The next few years in politics will come down to a tale of two Unions – the U.K. and the EU. Despite all the difficult challenges ahead the Liberal Democrat voice must and will be heard.”
