Former LibDem leader has died

The former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Menzies “Ming” Campbell, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, has died in London aged 84.

He was educated in Glasgow where he studied law alongside John Smith and Donald Dewar. As a student he became an athlete and ran the 200m for Great Britain in 1964 at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming captan of the UK Athletics Team from 1965-66. He held the British record for the 100 metres from 1967 until 1974.

Ming Campbell was called to the bar in 1968, and “took silk” in 1982. He was elected in 1987 to the North East Fife constituency with a majority of 1,447 and later became Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Party in 1975.

In Parliament he served as a defence and foreign affairs spokesman, becoming Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in 1997, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in 2003 and Leader of the Liberal Democrats from March 2006 until October 2007.

From 2006 he was Chancellor of the University of St Andrews. Knighted in 2004, and from 2015 a member of the House of Lords) in the same dissolution honours list as Alistair Darling), Ming Campbell became a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2013, bestowed on just 65 people by the monarch.

He was married to his wife Elspeth for more than 50 years until her death in 2023, describing her as “my constant political companion, always my encouragement and forever my first line of defence”.

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Campbell – one of the most distinguished and well-liked political figures of his generation.

“I first got to know him well as a newly-elected MP where he welcomed me and helped me adapt to life in House of Commons. Over the years since, we often worked together on the many issues on which we agreed.

“Lord Campbell was a passionate believer in a better Scotland but also a strong internationalist – keen to build consensus and find common ground. Those entering public service today could learn much from his style – always forthright in speaking up for what he believed in, but never anything other than respectful, courteous and polite to his political opponents.

“On behalf of The Scottish Government I offer my condolences to Lord Campbell’s family. My thoughts today are with them, his Liberal Democrat colleagues and his many friends across the political spectrum and beyond.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “Ming Campbell was one of the most respected politicians of his generation.

“The first political thing I ever did was to deliver leaflets for Ming on the morning of his first election to Parliament in 1987. He was my MP, he was my mentor and he was my friend.

“From the Olympic track to the benches of Westminster, his contribution to public life will long be remembered.

“My thoughts, and those of my party, are with his family at this time.”

Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, said: “This is a sad day for our party, for liberals everywhere and for me personally. Ming was a guiding light and elder statesman for so many of us.

“He was an esteemed voice on foreign affairs and a true liberal at heart, embodying the values of reason, compassion, and internationalism. It was no wonder that he was often described as the best foreign secretary that the UK never had. I will miss him immensely.

”Ming once told me that he was very fortunate to have had three careers in his life in sport, in law and finally in politics. What was remarkable was that he excelled in all three. That is why the slogan to secure his re-election in North East Fife – local champion with a national reputation – was so successful that he won with a huge majority of votes.”

Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, said: “In North East Fife, Ming was and remained a significant figure. His contributions to our communities, to the University of St Andrews, as well as to Scotland and the UK were immeasurable.

“Although he found the passing of his beloved Elspeth difficult, rather than retreat, until the last weeks of his life, he was still travelling to London to contribute in the House of Lords. After a long career of public service, I am sure he would have had it no other way. I will miss his wise counsel and our regular chats in Parliament which always kept me on my toes.”

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) mourns the passing of Ming Campbell (Lord Campbell of Pittenweem). A spokesperson said: “Ming Campbell had served as President of EMiS and was a lifelong advocate for the UK being at the heart of the EU. His support for the European cause was deeply genuine, passionately argued and compelling. Our sympathies go to his family and his many friends across the political divide and in many walks of life. All Scotland will be saddened by his passing.”