Many tributes have been paid to the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Charles Kennedy, who died suddenly, yesterday morning, at the age of only 55.

As Group Leader of Fylde Liberal Democrats from 2003 to 2015, I got to now Charles quite well through attending our regular leaders meetings at Local Government House in Whitehall, when he was the party leader and always found him to be very friendly and approachable.

His brave opposition to the Iraq War, despite fierce opposition from all sides of the House , will ensure his legacy together with his sole stand against the decision to enter into coalition with the Conservatives. In both of these instances his predictions proved to be correct leaving the party with only 8 MP’s compared to the 62  MP’s which existed when he was forced to step down as leader – the largest number of MP’s the party had for over 80 years!

It is a very sad loss to the party and I was proud to call him a friend. Howard Henshaw,Mayor of Fylde 2011 – 2012

Photo of Howard Henshaw and Charles Kennedy outside Local Government House, Whitehall in 2004