TRIBUTES have been paid locally to former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, who died suddenly yesterday at the age of 55.

Mr Kennedy had served as an MP for 32 years, but was ousted from his Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency last month by the SNP at the general election.

Leeds North West Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland said today: "I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Charles' death. He was the leader of the party when I was selected and elected. I first met him when he came to Leeds North West twice during that election campaign. He held his final rally of the 2005 election campaign in Headingley.

"It's a big loss to the party, to Liberal politics and to politics as a whole. He was somebody who was respected across the political spectrum and was known for his ability to connect with ordinary people. He was very comfortable out and about, speaking to people and they warmed to him.

"He will be longest remembered for the decision to oppose the war in Iraq."

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Mr Kennedy's leadership of the Lib Dems, which saw the party enjoy its greatest electoral success in 2005, winning 62 seats, ended after he admitted having a problem with alcohol.

The loss of his Westminster seat came after an election campaign during which Mr Kennedy was forced to take a break following the death of his 88-year-old father, Ian, in April.

He is survived by his 10-year-old son, Donald, who was born during the 2005 election campaign.

Former Lib Dem leader and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said Mr Kennedy's death "robs Britain of one of the most gifted politicians of his generation", while acting Labour leader Harriet Harman said he "brought courage, wit and humour to everything he did".

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I'm deeply saddened by the death of Charles Kennedy. He was a talented politician who has died too young. My thoughts are with his family."

Police were called out to Mr Kennedy's house in Fort William yesterday, after being alerted by the ambulance service.

The cause of is death is not yet known but it is not thought to be suspicious.

A statement released on behalf of his family said: "It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.

"Charles died at home in Fort William yesterday. He was 55. We are obviously devastated at the loss.

"Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days."

The father-of-one was leader of the Lib Dems between 1999 and January 2006.