'A Liberal giant'

Tributes after Sir Ming dies aged 84

- By Jonathan Walker and Rhiannon James

POLITICAL grandee and former Olympian Sir Ming Campbell — who was dubbed The Flying Scotsman — has died aged 84.

Sir Ming led the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007 after earning widespread respect as foreign affairs spokesman.

He died peacefully in London yesterday following time in respite care. His grandson was with him.

Sir Ed Davey described his predecessor as “a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, St Andrews and the UK, and a true Liberal giant”.

Sir Ming, named Walter Menzies at birth, was an eloquent and effective critic of PM Tony Blair’s decision to join the 2003 American-led invasion of Iraq. All the while he was receiving chemotherapy for nonHodgkin’s lymphoma.

His performance during his foreign affairs tenure helped propel the Lib Dems — then led by charismatic Charles Kennedy - to the best general election result of any liberal party since the days of David Lloyd George.