Charles Kennedy's body was found by new partner Carole MacDonald
Ms MacDonald is the widow of the former Lib Dem leaders' best friend Murdo MacDonald
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Charles Kennedy’s body was discovered by his new partner and the widow of his lifelong best friend, according to reports in Scottish media.
The former Liberal Democrat leader’s relationship with Carole MacDonald was not widely known about, but The Daily Record reported that they are understood to have been together at his election count last month when he lost his Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat.
MacDonald’s husband Murdo, who was godfather to the Highland MP’s son Donald, died in 2007, aged 49. It is unclear how long they had been a couple.
Delivering an emotional acceptance speech after becoming the rector of Glasgow University, Kennedy paid tribute to his friend who he met when they were both students at the institution. The pair ran the student union together.
“My best friend is not here tonight,” he said tearfully. “His widow is in this room. She is an MA of this university. I wish he was here tonight, too. He would be very proud.”
Kennedy’s marriage to public relations executive Sarah Gurling ended in 2010 but the pair remained friends. He lost his father in April.
Kennedy is survived by his sister Isobel, who lives in Canada along with his former wife and son.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments