Lord Ashdown being treated for bladder cancer

'I'm lucky enough to have the magnificent help of our local hospital, and my friends and family, and that gives me great confidence'

'I'm being effectively and wonderfully looked after' said Lord Ashdown after being diagnosed three weeks ago (Steve Parsons/PA)

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown is being treated for bladder cancer.

He said the outcome of his disease was “unpredictable” but that he had complete confidence in his hospital treatment.

“I have known for about three weeks that I am suffering from a cancer of the bladder," the 77-year-old told the Somerset Live website. “I’m being effectively and wonderfully looked after by everyone at Yeovil Hospital, in whom I have complete confidence."

The former Royal Marines officer who led the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1999, said: “We must see about the outcome, which as always with things like this, is unpredictable.”

He added: “I’ve fought a lot of battles in my life. This time I am lucky enough to have the magnificent help of our local hospital, and my friends and family, and that gives me great confidence.”

He said that he was in the very best hands with the care he was receiving.

Current Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable tweeted: “My best wishes for a speedy recovery to Paddy Ashdown, one of the great British political figures of the past 30 years and the man who built the Lib Dems into a Parliamentary force. Love to Paddy, Jane and their family.”

His predecessor Tim Farron said: “Paddy has been a hero and mentor of mine for many years. He saved the party during its darkest hour and led it to its greatest successes. My love and warmest wishes are with Paddy, Jane and the whole family at this time.”

PA contributed to this report.