Charles Kennedy: memorable quotes from a 'human politician'
The former Liberal Democrat leader on politics, integrity and not taking things too seriously
Tributes have begun pouring in for the former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, who died at the age of 55 at his home in Scotland.
Described by many as one of the most influential politicians of his generation, Kennedy led his party to its greatest post-war victory and was one of the few high-profile politicians to oppose the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Kennedy brought a different style of politics to Westminster, says the BBC's Norman Smith. "More informal; relaxed and outgoing; generous to opponents, warm to friends and not one for the more bitter, dark arts of politics."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Beyond the politics, Kennedy has also been widely praised for his ability to connect with the British people. Jane Merrick, political editor of the Independent on Sunday, said he was "one of few politicians of his generation to cut through to young people" and described him as a "human politician, not a machine".
Here are six memorable quotes from the former Lib Dem leader:
"To be seen to be human, provided you’re doing your job at the same time, is definitely not a negative, not at all."
"Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be lamentable."
"I've got my views, people know what they are, they can agree or they can choose to disagree. I'm not going to waste time just rubbishing everybody else."
"There is no more nauseating a sight than politicians pulling up the ladder of opportunity behind them."
"The point never to lose sight of is to be guided by the correct thing, as you see it. It's the only way to approach such profound matters and retain your integrity."
"If you were to describe me as teetotal, on behalf of my constituency I'd have to sue; that would lose me every vote in the Highlands."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Israel concedes it may not be able to destroy Hamas
Speed Read Despite five months of war in Gaza, Israeli intelligence officials admit the militant group eludes them
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The art world and motherhood: the end of a final taboo?
Talking Point Hettie Judah's new touring exhibition offers a 'riveting riposte' to old cliches
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'Musk's reliance on China draws rising scrutiny'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Britain's biggest political donors
The Explainer With the 2024 general election set to be the highest-spending contest ever we look at who is giving to which party and why
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published
-
How the biggest election year in history might play out
The Explainer Votes in world's biggest democracies, as well as its most 'despotic' and 'stressed' countries, face threats of violence and suppression
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published