LORD ASHDOWN
FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77, after a short illness.
The former Royal Marine, who led the party from 1988 to 1999, passed away yesterday evening, a Lib Dem spokesman confirmed.
He had been suffering from bladder cancer.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Lord Ashdown. Paddy Ashdown served his country with distinction from his career in the Royal Marines and intelligence services, as Member of Parliament for Yeovil, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and later as High Representative of the International Community and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed.
“My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” Current leader, Sir Vince Cable, said it was “a hugely sad day” for the party and everyone else across the political spectrum “who had immense affection and respect for Paddy”.
Sir Vince said: “He was famous for his politics, but his talents extended well beyond that arena.”
Former Conservative prime minister Sir John Major hailed his former adversary as “a man of duty, passion, and devotion to the country he loved – right up to the very end”.
He said Lady Ashdown and the rest of his family could be proud of his achievements, adding: “In government, Paddy Ashdown was my
HEAVYWEIGHTS: John Major, Paddy Ashdown and Tony Blair during a state event in 1995. Right, during his military service
opponent. In friend.
“His loss will be felt deeply by many, and not least by myself.
“Throughout his life, Paddy was a true patriot, whose overriding wish was to serve his country: first, in the Marines, and then in both Houses of Parliament.
“I can attest to the fact that – even when he knew he was gravely ill – Paddy’s concern for the future of our country continued to dominate his thinking.
“I was not surprised. For Paddy, his country always came before personal or political advantage.”
Mr Ashdown, who was MP for Yeovil in Somerset 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.
This led the Sun to nickname him “Paddy Pantsdown”. His marriage survived the scandal.
After stepping down as leader in 1999, Mr Ashdown, who had also life, he was a muchvalued served in the Special Boat Service during his time in the Forces – was knighted, then made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon.
He became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2002.
Sir Nick Clegg, who would as leader take the Liberal Democrats into government in 2010, 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. 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.
“I will miss him terribly.”
Former Liberal Democrat MP John Leech, who first stood for office under Paddy Ashdown’s leadership, added: “It was in 1998 under Paddy Ashdown’s deeply principled, bold and truly liberal leadership that I was so inspired to stand for public office.”
Lord Ashdown told a newspaper last month that he had bladder cancer. He said he had not long learned of his diagnosis and was being treated near his Somerset home.
He said: “I’m being effectively and wonderfully looked after by everyone at Yeovil hospital, in whom I have complete confidence.”
After a barrage of supportive messages he said: “I have been so moved by all the lovely comments. But PLEASE this does not merit a fuss. Many go through this. I have the best of people and the best of friends to fight this with, which makes me, as so often in my life, very lucky.”
Mr Ashdown was born in New Delhi, India, on February 27, 1941.
He leaves behind his wife Jane nee Courtenay, whom he married in 1962, son Simon and daughter Katharine.
‘Lifelong mentor and friend’ ‘His loss will be felt deeply’ ‘One of the most friendly & compassionate people I’ve met’