Charles Kennedy dead: Latest updates as former Liberal Democrat leader dies aged 55

The ex-MP was found dead at his home in Fort William yesterday, his family said, and the cause of death has yet to be confirmed but is not said to be suspicious

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Charles Kennedy has died at his home aged 55, his family said.
The Scottish ex-MP's death was not believed to be suspicious and the cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
He died at his home in Fort William, yesterday.
A statement released on behalf of his family said: "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.
"There will be a post-mortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made."

10:27 am

Alex Salmond: The House of Commons is the worst place in the world for somebody with a drinking problem

SNP MP Alex Salmond said the House of Commons is the worst place in the world for somebody with an alcohol addiction.
He spoke fondly of Mr Kennedy in an interview with Sky News, describing him as an "Outstanding communicator, a fine politician, but above all a first rate human being".
The former Scottish First Minister added:" Everyone across the political spectrum - where I've never heard a bad word said about him - will be mourning his loss today."

Alex Salmondawaits the result for the Gordon constituency, at the count in Aberdeen

He suggested Kennedy had withdrawn following his defeat in the general election, but understood politics well enough not to take the defeat personally.
He said: "Very few people had the chance to speak to Charles after the election. I think it was a very dark time for him from what I understand.
"Charles knew enough about politics to understand that just because you lose an election doesn't mean your constituents don't hold you in the highest regard.
"Charles' problem was that he had an addiction. He had an alcohol problem and that's basically what has unfortunately and tragically consumed his political career and robbed us of an outstanding talent."
He admitted to have shared a drink with Kennedy, saying: "Absolutely, but not excessively. I suppose the House of Commons is the worst place in the world for somebody with an alcohol problem - particularly in the 1980s and 90s when Charles went into the House of Commons.
"You're talking about being far far away from home, in convivial company and easily available cheap alcohol - at that time virtually on a 24 hour basis. It must be just about the worst place on the planet with Charles' illness - and a sad illness which has taken him from us."

Charles Kennedy, wipes his brow as he delivers a keynote speech to the party's spring conference in Southport in 2004

10:05 am

Ed Miliband: Charles Kennedy was "a principled, decent man who stood up for what he believed in"

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband says Charles Kennedy was a "principled, decent man who stood up for what he believed in".
He adds his voice to a growing stream of tributes to Kennedy, who died last night.

Charles Kennedy was a principled, decent man who stood up for what he believed.His death is a tragic loss.My heart goes out to his family.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) June 2, 2015

9:59 am

Charles Kennedy "wasn't drunk on Question Time" say friends

According to the Guardian, close friends of Charles Kennedy have hit back at rumours the former Lib Dem leader was drunk during his last appearance on the BBC's Question Time programme.
They say he was in shock after being told his 88-year-old father had fallen and broken his hip, and was being rushed to hospital.
Conn O'Neill, Kennedy's campaign manager said: “That was Charlie being upset beyond belief and distracted.”
Kennedy was his frail and elderly father's main carer, and he suspended his general election campaign when he died in April.