Charles Kennedy, died aged 55, Liberal Democrat
Charles Kennedy, who has died aged 55, led the Liberal Democrats in the elections of 2001 and 2005 to their highest number of seats since 1923, and on the eve of the invasion of Iraq in 2003 momentarily seemed in with a chance of forming a government; yet his six years as leader were overshadowed by criticism of his work rate, and rumours of a drink problem which – when confirmed – forced him out in January 2006.
A sandy-haired Highlander whose sense of humour went down well on television programmes like Have I Got News For You?, Kennedy was first elected to Parliament (for the SDP) as a 23-year-old student, and proved his mettle as president of the Liberal Democrats from 1990 to 1994.
Read Charles Kennedy's first speech in the House of Commons
The late former Liberal Democrat leader made his first speech in a debate about young people in 1983
Charles Kennedy, who has died aged 55, led the Liberal Democrats in the elections of 2001 and 2005 to their highest number of seats since 1923, and on the eve of the invasion of Iraq in 2003 momentarily seemed in with a chance of forming a government; yet his six years as leader were overshadowed by criticism of his work rate, and rumours of a drink problem which – when confirmed – forced him out in January 2006.
A sandy-haired Highlander whose sense of humour went down well on television programmes like Have I Got News For You?, Kennedy was first elected to Parliament (for the SDP) as a 23-year-old student, and proved his mettle as president of the Liberal Democrats from 1990 to 1994.
Read Charles Kennedy's first speech in the House of Commons
The late former Liberal Democrat leader made his first speech in a debate about young people in 1983
