The sad news came yesterday evening that Paddy Ashdown, former Liberal Democrat Leader, passed away aged 77. I read the breaking news headlines in shock, because I’d seen him only 3 months ago at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Brighton and he looked well and fit.
Brief History of Paddy Ashdown
Paddy Ashdown, formally known as Baron Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, born 27 February 1941 was a Royal Marine, Intelligence officer and a diplomat before entering politics in 1975.
He became the MP for Yeovil in 1983, taking the seat in a huge swing from the Conservatives. He held the seat until 1999 when he stepped down.
Paddy served as Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1999 and was responsible for reviving the party, increasing the LD seats in parliament to 46 in 1997. He subsequently was made a life peer in the House of Lords in 2001.
Paddy Ashdown received international recognition for his role in bringing peace to the Bosnia–Herzegovina region as its High Representative.
Paddy Ashdown the Politician
Back in the 90s, I heard Paddys’ name a lot, and noticed, even though I was not “into politics” at the time. I liked the idea of the little party trying to establish its place in the two-party system. It helped that he talked a lot of sense, and had a way of speaking that made you listen to what he had to say.
I did not have the opportunity to meet Paddy until the Liberal Democrat Autumn conference in Brighton in September this year. And I am glad that I was able to hear him speak on three occasions.
He was the after dinner speaker at the Chinese LibDems dinner, where he entertained us with lots of anecdotes – and boy does he have them in spades. Paddy taught us how to say Long Live Liberal democrats” in Mandarin, one of the several languages that he was fluent in.
The anecdotes and jokes continued to flow during the evening when we had the traditional Glee Club. He seemed to enjoy being encouraged onto the stage and hearing us chant his name. It was a hilarious evening!
I saw the serious side of him when he spoke at one of the conference meetings. His intervention in the debate was mesmerising – he spoke, we listened intently. The person sitting next to me went “wow, he still has it”. Of course he did.
In November, news broke that Paddy had been diagnosed with bladder cancer, and he vowed to fight it as he has fought previous battles in his life, expecting to win!
Paddy Ashdown legacy
Paddy Ashdown was a true patriot, a man who loved his country and served it well in every way, as a soldier, diplomat and politician. He was a towering political figure, and will be well remembered for his wisdom and wit, insight and ability to inspire.
As Vince Cable said in his tribute to Paddy
Our thoughts are with Jane and Paddy’s family this evening.
This is a hugely sad day for the Liberal Democrats and for the very many people across political and public life who had immense affection and respect for Paddy.
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.
Finally, he has been a powerful voice was of real significance for the pro-European cause in recent years. He was aghast at the direction our country has been taking, and as ever did all he could to campaign for a change of course.
The LibDems will miss you Paddy, but we are so thankful that you were one of us. The Party has set up an online book of condolence for those who wish to pay their respects to this great man.
You can add your name and comments here: www.libdems.org.uk/book-of-condolence-paddy-ashdown
Rest in Peace Paddy. We love you and will continue to fight for justice , tolerance and fairness, and a Brexit u-turn.