Lib Dem founder and former leader Paddy Ashdown dies aged 77

Last month Lord Ashdown revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer

Former leader of the Liberal Democrats Lord Paddy Ashdown has died aged 77. Following a short illness, the man who led the party from 1988 to 1999, passed away. The Lib Dems announced the news in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Paddy Ashdown passed away earlier this evening following a short illness. "Paddy will be desperately missed by everyone at the Liberal Democrats as a dear friend and colleague, and remembered as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism."