Former Lib Dem Leader Paddy Ashdown Dies Age 77

(Picture: PA).

Former Liberal Democrat leader, Paddy Ashdown, passed away after being diagnosed with bladder cancer last month.

A spokesperson for the Lib Dem party said that Lord Ashdown died on Saturday night "following a short illness".

Born into an army family, Paddy Ashdown joined the Royal Marines straight out of school.

He served in Borneo and Malaya before going on to join the Special Boat Service and then lead a commando company in his native Northern Ireland during the troubles.

After serving 13 years in the forces he became a diplomat, intelligence officer, and then MP.

In 1983 he then became the MP for Yeovil, his home town, he was then elected as the Liberal Democrat leader in 1988.

Lord Ashdown held onto his seat in Yeovil until 2001.

Paddy Ashdown’s military background drove much of his work… visiting Bosnia at some personal risk during the height of the conflict.

After leaving the commons he became the international high representative to Bosnia and Herzogovina for 4 years… overseeing the peace process.

But he came back to Westminster where he campaigned on issues that mattered to him. 

He was a leading voice calling for Afghan interpreters to be allowed to settle in the UK.

Current Lib Dem leader Vince Cable said Paddy was: "always listened to, in particular, on international issues and defence,"

and that he often "took up unpopular causes where he was respected for his conviction",

“He was very much Mr Action Man… you know the style that he acquired in the military he carried into politics very effectively”

Lord Ashdown was a rare figure in British politics, commanding the respect not only of his party, but many opponents as he sought unity over conflict.