«Breaking News» Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown dies aged 77

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77 after a short illness.  

The politician and former Royal Marine, who led the party for 11 years from 1988 to 1999, passed away on Saturday evening, a party spokesman said.

He revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.  

Sir Vince Cable, the party's current leader, said it was 'a hugely sad day' for the party and everyone else across politics 'who had immense affection and respect for Paddy'.

Sir Vince said: 'He was famous for his politics, but his talents extended well beyond that arena.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77 after a short illness

'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.

'He was a personal example to me and to many other candidates.'

Mr Ashdown, MP for Yeovil from 1983 to 2001, hit the headlines four years into his leadership when, in 1992, he revealed he had had a five-month affair with his secretary, which led the Sun to nickname him 'Paddy Pantsdown'.

His marriage to wife Jane survived the scandal.

After stepping down as leader in 1999, Mr Ashdown - who served in the Special Boat Service during his time in the forces - was knighted and then made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon.

He became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2002.

Paddy Ashdown pictured in 1989, when he was leader of the Liberal Democrats, formed a year earlier as a merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party 

Sir Nick Clegg, who would as leader take the Liberal Democrats into government in 2010, said: 'Paddy was the reason I entered politics. He was the reason I became a liberal.

'And he became a lifelong mentor, friend and guide. Much will, rightly, be said about him in the days ahead. 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.' 

Link hienalouca.com

https://hienalouca.com/2018/12/22/former-liberal-democrat-leader-paddy-ashdown-dies-aged-77/
Main photo article Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77 after a short illness.  
The politician and former Royal Marine, who led the party for 11 years from 1988 to 1999, passed away on Saturday evening, a party spokesman said.
He revealed last month that he had been diagnosed wi...

It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.

Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.

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