STORY
Sir Menzies Campbell, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats and long-serving MP for North East Fife, has died at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully in London after a period in respite care, surrounded by family. Known affectionately as “Ming”, his family said that he had watched some of last week’s Liberal Democrat conference.
Campbell represented North East Fife from 1987 until 2015 and led the Liberal Democrats between 2006 and 2007. He was widely respected for his integrity, sharp intellect and authority on foreign affairs, becoming one of the party’s most trusted voices in Parliament. A staunch critic of the Iraq War, he was regarded as a politician of principle, admired across the political spectrum. After standing down as an MP, he took a seat in the House of Lords as Lord Campbell of Pittenweem.
Before entering politics, Campbell was a world-class athlete, representing Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and holding the British 100m record for seven years. He later pursued a successful legal career and served as Chancellor of the University of St Andrews. Tributes have described him as a “true Liberal giant” and a statesman who embodied decency and dedication throughout public life.