Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, also known as Ming, passed away at 84 years old. He served as the head of the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007 and was a Member of Parliament for 28 years. In his early years, he competed as a sprinter in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, earning the nickname The Flying Scotsman and even surpassing American athlete O.J. Simpson in a race.
Sir Menzies was highly regarded for his prominent role in Parliament, particularly during the 2003 Iraq invasion and its aftermath, where he vocally criticized Tony Blair’s decision to support the American-led coalition in removing Saddam Hussein. His partnership with charismatic leader Charles Kennedy significantly contributed to the Liberal Democrats achieving their best general election outcome in decades.
Although Sir Menzies became party leader at the age of 64, his tenure was short-lived due to persistent criticism about his age and suitability for the role. Despite his extensive experience in foreign affairs, he struggled to adapt to the fast-paced news environment and the demands of Prime Minister’s Questions.
Beyond politics, Sir Menzies had a passion for sports, excelling as a sprinter before transitioning to a legal career. He had initially aspired to become a judge and considered himself a lawyer before a politician. Born in Glasgow during World War II, he pursued a law degree at Glasgow University, where he also engaged in competitive running and political activities.
His political journey began in the 1970s when he became involved with the Scottish Liberal Party and later secured a seat in Westminster in 1987. Throughout his career, Sir Menzies demonstrated a keen eye for detail, notably holding government officials accountable during the Matrix Churchill arms-to-Iraq scandal.
His principled stance against the Iraq War and his dedication to public service earned him respect within the Liberal Democrat party and beyond. His passing was mourned by party members, with current leader Sir Ed Davey praising Sir Menzies for his unwavering commitment to upholding moral values and his influential leadership during challenging times.
