New photo Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown dies aged 77

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77 after a short illness.  

The politician and former Royal Marine, who led the party for 11 years from 1988 to 1999, passed away on Saturday evening, a party spokesman said.

He revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. 

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum as current party leader Sir Vince Cable said it was a 'hugely sad day'.    

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has died at the age of 77 after a short illness

Sir Vince said: 'He was famous for his politics, but his talents extended well beyond that arena. 

'He was an accomplished author, and had spent many years serving the country before he got near the House of Commons.

'Few people know how hard he fought to get into politics following his service in the marines and diplomatic service.

'He exercised every ounce of his considerable personal stamina to win the Yeovil seat.

'He was a personal example to me and to many other candidates.'

Mr Ashdown, MP for Yeovil from 1983 to 2001, hit the headlines four years into his leadership when, in 1992, he revealed he had had a five-month affair with his secretary, which led the Sun to nickname him 'Paddy Pantsdown'.

His marriage to wife Jane survived the scandal.

After stepping down as leader in 1999, Mr Ashdown - who served in the Special Boat Service during his time in the forces - was knighted and then made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon.

He became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2002.

Paddy Ashdown pictured in 1989, when he was leader of the Liberal Democrats, formed a year earlier as a merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party 

Sir Nick Clegg, who would as leader take the Liberal Democrats into government in 2010, said: 'Paddy was the reason I entered politics. He was the reason I became a liberal.

'And he became a lifelong mentor, friend and guide. Much will, rightly, be said about him in the days ahead. He was a soldier, a diplomat, a writer, a leader, a campaigner, a servant of his constituents, and an international statesman.

But the thing I admired most in him is that rarest of gifts - a politician without an ounce of cynicism.

'He was the most heartfelt person I have known - loyal and generous to a fault. Like so many others, I will miss him terribly.' 

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News Pictures Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown dies aged 77 

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