Lord Menzies Campbell: Former Lib Dem leader and Olympic sprinter Ming Campbell dies aged 84
Tributes have been paid to the former leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Lord Menzies Campbell has been hailed as “one of the most respected politicians of his generation” following his death at the age of 84.
Known affectionately as Ming, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem had been an Olympic sprinter and a lawyer before entering politics.
But it was the political acumen that culminated in him becoming Liberal Democrats leader that was most referenced in tributes from across the political spectrum, with Lord Campbell remembered as “a rare breed of Scotsman”.
Party leader Sir Ed Davey described Lord Campbell as “a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant”.
The Liberal Democrats confirmed Lord Campbell had died peacefully in London on Friday, with some of his final days spent watching the party conference.
Lord Campbell, who grew up in Glasgow, represented his constituency of North East Fife for almost three decades before taking his seat in the upper chamber in 2015.
He was also known for being a keen sprinter, with the former Olympic athlete holding the British 100m record between 1967 and 1974.
Sir Ed paid tribute to his “incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague”.
He said: “With a parliamentary career spanning five decades, Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant.
“He was the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on foreign affairs when the world changed on 9/11, and his principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom. He spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard.
“Like so many of us, I benefited greatly from Ming’s advice and guidance over the many years we worked closely together. But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague, with such generosity and humour.
“Ming was always great company – whether talking about sport with the authority of a captain of Britain’s athletics team and a British 100m record-holder, or asking about you and your family, when he would always pass on kind thoughts from his wife, Elspeth – his rock.
“All of us in the Liberal Democrat family and beyond will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.”
Former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Lord Campbell was “one of the most honourable and decent people in politics, liked and respected across the political spectrum”.
“He was a true Liberal who supported the New Labour government through its constitutional reforms, was a staunch advocate of multilateral institutions and was a colleague you could trust and work with,” he said.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown said Britain had “lost a decent, compassionate, always courteous leader with whom it was always a pleasure to work”.
He said: “I remember him as a fellow Fife MP and a friend who was always great to work with cross party lines, who shared a strong sense of social justice and a belief in international co-operation.
“He will be remembered too for his kindness and humanity, always generous to other people, always considerate in giving his advice and in listening to the advice of others.”
Lord Campbell was educated at Hillhead High School before going on to study law at the University of Glasgow. There he was a contemporary of John Smith, who went on to become Labour leader, and Donald Dewar, who was Scotland’s first first minister.
He became leader of the Liberal Democrats in January 2006 following Charles Kennedy’s resignation. However, concerns were raised about his age, and he resigned the post in October the following year, being succeeded by Nick Clegg.
In his time in the Commons, Lord Campbell also served as his party’s spokesman on defence and foreign affairs. He was chancellor of the University of St Andrews from 2006.
Tributes paid to former Liberal Democrat leader
Sir Nick described Lord Campbell as a “Scottish liberal to his core”.
In a post on X, he said: “When I saw him earlier this month, he was physically frail, but just as full of political gossip, curiosity and insight as always – and reminiscing too about his beloved Elspeth, to whom he was utterly devoted, and their happy life together.”
“Throughout the years we worked together, when he was leader of the Lib Dems and after I succeeded him, he was unfailingly generous with his time and advice.
“His deep interest in foreign affairs was especially impactful – and even when he disagreed with me, he did so with his trademark courtesy and wit. I will miss him greatly.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute on social media, posting of Lord Campbell: “He was a formidable, and courteous political leader who served the people of NE Fife with devotion. He was a strong voice for establishing a Scottish Parliament.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton described Lord Campbell as “one of the most respected politicians of his generation”.
“The first political thing I ever did was to deliver leaflets for Ming on the morning of his first election to Parliament in 1987,” he said.
“He was my MP, he was my mentor and he was my friend. From the Olympic track to the benches of Westminster, his contribution to public life will long be remembered.”
Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, said: “This is a sad day for our party, for liberals everywhere and for me personally. Ming was a guiding light and elder statesman for so many of us. He was an esteemed voice on foreign affairs and a true liberal at heart, embodying the values of reason, compassion, and internationalism.
“It was no wonder that he was often described as the best foreign secretary that the UK never had. I will miss him immensely.
“Ming once told me that he was very fortunate to have had three careers in his life in sport, in law and finally in politics. What was remarkable was that he excelled in all three.”
Lord Campbell was married to Elspeth for more than 50 years until her death in 2023, and while the couple had no children, his wife had a son from her first marriage.
Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, added: “In North East Fife, Ming was and remained a significant figure. His contributions to our communities, to the University of St Andrews, as well as to Scotland and the UK were immeasurable.
“Although he found the passing of his beloved Elspeth difficult, rather than retreat, until the last weeks of his life, he was still travelling to London to contribute in the House of Lords.
“After a long career of public service, I am sure he would have had it no other way. I will miss his wise counsel and our regular chats in Parliament which always kept me on my toes.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.