RIP Charles Kennedy (former Lib Dem leader)

Charles Kennedy who was leader of the Lib Dems from 1999 to 2006 and lost his seat after 32 years last month has passed away at the age of 55.

Shocking news. Though I disagreed with his politics he was a principled man, he led the Lib Dems in opposing the Iraq War at a time the rest of the political and almost all the media establishment were in favour.

He resigned in 2006 after it was revealed he was struggling with alcoholism and at one stage during last month's election he appeared to be under the influence while on a TV late night debate panel.

Don't know what caused his early death but the Police say it's not suspicious. While we debate politics strongly and I don't regret him losing his job as an MP after 32 years (that's part of the package of being a politician) it must be a tremendous shock to the system to so publicly lose your career and with the all but destruction of the Lib Dems by the electorate (down to 8 MPs and fourth place) the defeat of much of his life's work.

RIP.