Statement from the Speaker on the death of Charles Kennedy
2 June 2015 (updated on 2 June 2015)
The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, has made a statement following the death of Charles Kennedy.
Speaker's Statement: Tuesday 2 June 2015
It is with deep sadness that I must report to the House the death of the former Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Charles Kennedy.
Charles represented his constituency, in its various forms, in this House for almost 32 years. It is moreover a matter of record that he led his party, the Liberal Democrats, from 1999 to 2006, achieving the best Parliamentary representation of his party in this House in living memory.
On a personal note I was always grateful to Charles for his support, encouragement and cooperation. I think I carry the House with me in saying that Charles Kennedy was a principled, progressive and passionate politician and very importantly a proud parliamentarian.
In an age of pervasive cynicism about politics and politicians, Charles had that rare and uncanny capacity to cut through to large numbers of voters of all political persuasions and of none, right across the county. He was doubtlessly assisted in that by his obvious sincerity, his relaxed style and his geniality.
I know that he was widely liked and respected in all parts of this House and he will be sadly missed.
The House will want, I am sure, to join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
It will be appropriate today for there to be very brief references to Charles but I hope the House will more widely take my lead when I say that tomorrow, after Prime Minister's Questions, there will be a dedicated session of tributes when people can say what they think and feel and remember about our departed colleague Charles Kennedy.
- Read Commons Hansard: Statement from the Speaker on the death of Charles Kennedy, 2 June 2015
- Watch Parliament TV: Statement from the Speaker on the death of Charles Kennedy, 2 June 2015
- Read Commons Hansard: Tributes to Charles Kennedy, 3 June 2015
- Watch Parliament TV: Tributes to Charles Kennedy, 3 June 2015
Related information
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