Ex-Liberal Democrat leader Ming Campbell dies at 84, tributes say 'true Liberal giant'

Ming Campbell, the former Liberal Democrat leader, has died at the age of 84, his family announced in London on Friday. Lord Campbell of Pittenweem died after a period of respite care, with his grandson by his bedside. He spent one of his final days watching the Liberal Democrat conference and had been planning to return to his native Scotland.

Campbell led the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007, succeeding Charles Kennedy as party leader in March 2006. He stepped down less than 18 months later after then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown indicated there would be no general election in 2007 and amid a push for a younger leader.

In Parliament, Campbell served as MP for North East Fife from 1987 to 2015 and later became a long-serving chancellor of the University of St Andrews. During his political career, he held a number of roles on the Lib Dem frontbench before succeeding Charles Kennedy as leader.

Before entering politics, Campbell was a sprinter who competed for Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was at one time known as “the fastest white man on the planet,” and in 1967 set a British record in the 100 meters of 10.2 seconds—a mark that stood until 1972. That same race saw him finish ahead of U.S. athlete O.J. Simpson.

After leaving frontline politics, Campbell continued to contribute to public life, including a lengthy stint as chancellor of the University of St Andrews. His leadership and record as a public servant were highlighted by colleagues after his death.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey paid tribute, saying Campbell’s parliamentary career spanned five decades and that he was a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the United Kingdom, and a “true Liberal giant.” Davey noted Campbell’s time as the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson when the world changed on 9/11 and his principled leadership opposing the Iraq War, adding that he spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard.

Campbell’s family recalled the breadth of his influence and warmth. His grandson, Gregor Grant-Suttie, said: “Ming achieved a lot through his life, across sport, law and politics. But the myriad of accolades and awards he collected in his professional life paled in comparison to his achievements as a husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend.”

The Campbell family thanked his care facility, Kyn Hurlingham, for their “exceptional care and attention” over recent months, as they mourn a figure described by tribulators as a principled and generous public servant who shaped both science and sport in addition to national politics.