Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies ‘Ming’ Campbell has passed away at the age of 84.
Sir Menzies, widely known as Ming, served as the leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007 and held a seat as a Member of Parliament for 28 years. Prior to his political career, he competed as a sprinter in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, earning the nickname The Flying Scotsman and even besting American athlete OJ Simpson in the 100m race.
Recognized as a prominent figure in Parliament, Sir Menzies played a crucial role during the 2003 Iraq invasion and aftermath, where he strongly criticized Tony Blair’s decision to join the American-led coalition in ousting Saddam Hussein.
Teaming up with the charismatic Charles Kennedy, Sir Menzies helped lead the Liberal Democrats to their best general election performance since the era of David Lloyd George. Despite becoming party leader at the age of 64, he stepped down from the position after 19 months due to persistent claims of being too old for the job.
While facing younger opponents from the Labour and Conservative parties, Sir Menzies’ traditional demeanor and tailored attire sometimes made him seem out of touch with the fast-paced news cycle’s demand for quick soundbites. Despite his eminent presence and strong sense of duty, he struggled with the intense atmosphere of Prime Minister’s Questions.
His true passion lay in sports, with sprinting being his initial calling before transitioning to a career in law as a barrister. Reflecting on his life, Sir Menzies expressed his ambition to become a judge, emphasizing his identity as a lawyer first and a politician second.
Born on May 22, 1941, in Glasgow during World War II, Sir Menzies had a unique upbringing. He excelled academically, attending Hillhead High School and later pursuing a law degree at Glasgow University, where his circle of friends included future Labour figures John Smith and Donald Dewar.
His involvement in politics resurged in the 1970s, eventually leading to his election as MP for North East Fife in 1987. Throughout his career, Sir Menzies demonstrated a keen eye for foreign affairs, notably highlighting discrepancies in the Matrix Churchill arms-to-Iraq scandal during his tenure as the party’s foreign affairs spokesman.
Following a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Sir Menzies continued to champion his beliefs, particularly opposing the Iraq War alongside Charles Kennedy, a stance that resonated with many voters and strengthened the Liberal Democrats’ position.
His passing was mourned by the Liberal Democrat community, with current party leader Sir Ed Davey praising Sir Menzies’ unwavering dedication to public service, his courageous leadership during challenging times, and his warm and supportive nature towards colleagues and friends.