Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Charles Kennedy, former UK Liberal Democrat leader dead at 55

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Charles Kennedy, former UK Liberal Democrat leader dead at 55

June 2, 2015 Tuesday morning.

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Likeable and talented, former Liberal Democrat Party leader Charles Kennedy dead far too young at 55. Sad and great loss for UK. http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2015/06/charles-kennedy-former-uk-liberal.html

He died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Fort William. He was the leader of the Liberal Democrat Party from 1999 to 2006

“Chat Show Charlie,” as he was known for his frequent popular appearances on talk shows; was an affable and friendly Member of Parliament for about 31 years. He was first elected at age 23 in 1983 as a member of what was known then as the Social Democrats. He lost his seat last month in the SNP landslide in the general elections.

Leaders from throughout the political spectrum in the UK have heaped praise and honors on the life an accomplishments of Mr. Kennedy.

The popular elected leader was well-known for his spirited and principled opposition to the war in Iraq in 2003.

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BBC: Former Liberal Democrat Party leader Charles Kennedy has died at his home in Fort William aged 55. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-32970337

His family said they were devastated to lose a "fine man and loving father".

David Cameron said politics had lost a man of "immense ability", while Nick Clegg said his opposition to the Iraq war had been "enormously courageous".

Mr. Kennedy, who led his party from 1999 to 2006, lost his seat last month. No cause of death has been given but police said it was not suspicious. Read more from the BBC:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-32970337

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