The former leader of the British Liberal Democrat party, Charles Kennedy, who was responsible for its greatest electoral success, died at the age of 56, his family announced today.
The announcement did not specify the cause of death.
Police said emergency services notified them Monday of Kennedy's sudden death and that there were no suspicious circumstances.
Kennedy took over as leader of the Liberal Democrats from Paddy Ashdown in 1999 and helped the party achieve its best success in its 2005 years in the 80 election, winning 62 seats in parliament.
They got a large number of votes thanks to Kennedy's loud opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Kennedy resigned as chairman of the Liberal Democrats in 2006, after admitting he had a problem with alcohol.
He lost his seat in parliament in the elections last month.
Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, who resigned after losing the last general election, said Kennedy was always modest about his achievements.
"When he had a good day, Kennedy had more political talent in his little finger than all of us put together," Clegg said.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the death of his former opponent was an "absolute tragedy".
"He proved himself right about Iraq. History will be as kind to him as he was to others," said John Prescott, who was Blair's deputy prime minister.
Condolences to his family were also sent by Prime Minister David Cameron, who said that Kennedy was "the most talented politician who died too young", reported the BBC.
Charles Kennedy entered Parliament when he was 23, making him the youngest British MP at the time.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
