Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Charles Kennedy 1959-2015: A gifted, compassionate politician whose career was cut short by the 'demon drink' - latest news

Family describe him 'as a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father'

Lizzie Dearden
Tuesday 02 June 2015 15:46 BST
Comments
Charles Kennedy lost his seat in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency in last month's election
Charles Kennedy lost his seat in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency in last month's election (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Here are the latest updates:

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed but it is not believed to be suspicious.

The Scottish MP lost his seat in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency in last month's election.

A statement released on behalf of his family said they were "devastated" at the loss, calling Mr Kennedy "a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son".

Police were called to his home in Fort William on Monday by paramedics to reports of the politician's "sudden death".

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "There are no suspicious circumstances and our report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

An MP since 1983, Mr Kennedy represented Ross, Cromarty and Skye until he lost his seat to the Scottish National Party last month.

Taking over from Paddy Ashdown in 1999, he led the Liberal Democrats until his resignation in 2006.

Additional reporting by Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in