Former Liberal Democrats leader Paddy Ashdown has died aged 77 following a short illness.
A party spokesperson said in a statement that the former MP passed away on Saturday evening.
Lord Ashdown, who led the party between 1988 and 1999, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October.
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Tributes have began pouring in for the politician.
Former Lib Dem leader and ex-deputy PM Sir Nick Clegg called Lord Ashdown “the most heartfelt person I have known”.
“Paddy was the reason I entered politics,” he said. “He was the reason I became a liberal. And he became a lifelong mentor, friend and guide.”
Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron wrote on Twitter: “Paddy Ashdown was a hero to me, he saved and revived the Liberal Democrats at our lowest ebb, and then led us to our best result for 70 years.
Paddy Ashdown was a hero to me, he saved and revived the Liberal Democrats at our lowest ebb, and then led us to our best result for 70 years. As a movement, we owe him our very existence. Much love to Jane and the family. Thank you boss.
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) 22 December 2018
“As a movement, we owe him our very existence.”
Party leader of the Lib Dems Vince Cable also tweeted: “This is a hugely sad day for the Liberal Democrats and for the very many people across political and public life who had immense affection and respect for @paddyashdown.
“He was famous for his politics but his talents extended well beyond that arena. RIP.”
This is a hugely sad day for the Liberal Democrats and for the very many people across political and public life who had immense affection and respect for @paddyashdown. He was famous for his politics but his talents extended well beyond that arena. RIP. https://t.co/Zq8issvSzC
— Vince Cable (@vincecable) 22 December 2018
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Lord Ashdown would be “greatly missed”.
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.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) 22 December 2018
Meanwhile, former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron wrote a tribute to Lord Ashdown on Twitter, also.
Desperately sad news about Paddy Ashdown. I’ve seldom known a public servant with so much energy & dynamism. A passionate & charismatic leader & brilliant communicator, never more so than when he championed the Balkans & appealed to govts of the day to do more in the 1990s. 1/2
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) 22 December 2018
Most of all, Paddy was a thoroughly decent, compassionate, knowledgable & thoughtful human being. The UK, liberal democracy & rational, moderate, cross-party debate have lost a great advocate. My thoughts are with Paddy’s family & friends. He will be sorely missed. 2/2
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) 22 December 2018
Prime Minister Theresa May said Lord Ashdown “served his country with distinction” in both his military and political careers.
She added: “He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed.”
It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Lord Ashdown. 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.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) 22 December 2018
Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair said: “He had courage, personal and political, unafraid to speak his mind yet always open to the views of others. He was one of the least tribal politicians I have ever known.”
Lord Ashdown was the longest serving leader of the Lib Dems in its history.
He was a strong supporter of Clegg’s controversial decision to take the party into coalition with the Conservatives in 2010.
He went on to play a role in the Remain campaign during the 2016 referendum.
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