A former champion debater from his days at the Glasgow Union, Kennedy became an MP at 24 – at the time the youngest in the country.

He was an important player in the formation of the Liberal Democrats and became leader of the party in 1999.

During his term in office he was popular with the British population and helped the party to grow at unprecedented rates, reaching 62 seats in 2005 – the best election result in the party’s history.

Despite this Kennedy remained controversial and embattled within the party and in the media over reports of his alcoholism.

He finally confirmed the stories in January 2006 and subsequently resigned the party leadership.

He remains a well known and well loved figure, practically for his television appearances on programmes such as Have I Got News For You.