Mixed news for the Liberal Democrats (Birmingham Liberal Democrats)

Birmingham Liberal Democrats <info@birminghamlibdems.org.uk>

Mixed news for the Liberal Democrats

October 15, 2004 10:17 AM

The Liberal Democrats were greeted by two major bits of news yesterday, one very sad and the other very happy news. The Liberal Democrat Peer Lord (Conrad) Russell dies at the age of 67 and Charles and Sarah Kennedy announced that they are expecting their first child in April.

Lord Russell died yesterday, aged 67. He had been suffering from respiratory infections and emphysema. Lord Russell was the younger son of the third Earl Russell, the philosopher and political radical Bertrand Russell. Whilst being a member of the House of Lords he retained his professorship of history at nearby King's College, London where he specialised in the 17th century. Charles Kennedy led the tributes, Mr. Kennedy said "He was a personal, political and intellectual rock of support for me. And his contribution to the development of liberalism in Britain should not be underestimated. He was a vigorous campaigner to the end, both in the Lords and for the Liberal Democrat party itself." Lady [Shirley] Williams said "Conrad Russell was a liberal in every fibre of his being, from his wonderful mind to his sometimes agonised body. He was a distinctive and distinguished member of the House of Lords, a man of immense learning, elegant oratory and a gentle but perspicacious wit."

It was also announced yesterday that Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy and his wife Sarah were expecting their first child, the child is due in April. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy said they were "absolutely delighted with the news". Mr. Kennedy said "It's very exciting and very nerve-wracking. We have made no secret of the fact that we wanted a family and we are very happy to be able to make this announcement."