It is a decade today since Charles Kennedy died.
I still recall waking up, putting on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, as I did in those days, and hearing the veteran Scottish broadcaster Jim Naughtie referring to the former leader of the Liberal Democrats in the past tense.
Naughtie paid a generous tribute, but I realised as soon as I heard the word ‘was’ rather than ‘is’ that Kennedy must have died. It was a very sad day.
Growing up in the Lib Dem seat of North East Fife, there was great respect for “Chatshow Charlie” as he was affectionately known.
His stance against the Iraq War, tuition fees and speaking up in favour of civil liberties all gained him much respect and popularity.
Yet it was his warmth, his charm and his humanity which made Charles Kennedy such a loved, welcome and appreciated politician.
He stood out as being principled, humane and civil.
“It’ll be alright on the night” I always recall him saying.
Some years ago, the BBC made an excellent documentary about this life in politics: Charles Kennedy: A Good Man Speaking. What a wonderful tribute to a great man!