Lib Dem favourite Lord Ashdown dies
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 party from 1988 to 1999, died yesterday evening, a party spokesman said.
Sir Vince Cable, the party’s current leader, said it was “a hugely sad day” for the party and everyone else across politics “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.
“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 was MP for Yeovil from 1983 to 2001.
After stepping down as leader in 1999, Mr Ashdown – who served in the Special Boat Service during his time in the forces – was knighted and then made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-hamdon.
He became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 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.
“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.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of Paddy Ashdown.
“He represented Yeovil very well and I got to know him in the 1980s when we often found ourselves voting in Parliament together against damaging government policies. “He will be greatly missed.” Former Conservative prime minister Sir John Major said: “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.”
Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair said he admired the former Lib Dem leader “as a man and as a political visionary and leader”.