Lord Paddy Ashdown

Rt Hon Lord 'Paddy' Ashdown

Baron Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, GCMG, CH, KBE, PC,

1941-2018

It is with great sadness that we leaned of the death of Lord 'Paddy' Ashdown yesterday with the following announcement by the Party.

Paddy Ashdown passed away earlier this evening following a short illness. He will be desperately missed by everyone at the Liberal Democrats as a dear friend and colleague, and remembered as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism.

Our thoughts are with his family and all of his friends at this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected.

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Paddy Ashdown led the Liberal Democrats from July 1988 - 11 August 1999, through two general elections, in 1992 and 1997. At the 1997 election, the Liberal Democrats won 46 seats, their best performance since the 1920s. Paddy was a Liberal to the core yet his passing has been met with heartfelt tributes across political divide.

Sir Vince Cable, called it "a hugely sad day" for the party and everyone else across politics who had immense affection and respect for Paddy". 'He was famous for his politics, but his talents extended well beyond that arena. He was an accomplished author, and had spent many years serving the country before he got near the House of Commons. Few people know how hard he fought to get into politics following his service in the marines and diplomatic service. He exercised every ounce of his considerable personal stamina to win the Yeovil seat which he held from June 1983 - June 2001. He was a personal example to me and to many other candidates. After stepping down as leader in 1999 Mr Ashdown, who served in the Special Boat Service during his time in the forces, was knighted. Following this, he was then made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon. He also became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2002. He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time".

Sir Nick Clegg, described Mr Ashdown as "the reason I entered politics". "He was the reason I became a liberal. He became a lifelong mentor, friend and guide. He was a soldier, a diplomat, a writer, a leader, a campaigner, a servant of his constituents, and an international statesman. But the thing I admired most in him is that rarest of gifts - a politician without an ounce of cynicism. He was the most heartfelt person I have known - loyal and generous to a fault. Like so many others, I will miss him terribly."

It was with much sadness that we in the East Suffolk Liberal Democrats heard yesterday that we had lost Paddy Ashdown. We are sure that all our members and supporters would wish us to add our deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife Jane and all the family at this very sad time.

Rest in Peace, Paddy

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