Paddy

Jeremy John Durham Ashdown, Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, Paddy Ashdown has died.

Royal Marine, Intelligence Officer in the Bosnian war zone, UN administrator helping Bosnia rebuild, Lib Dem leader admired by rivals and members alike, wise elder statesman, author, inspirational leader.

Local party member Lakhi, who knew him personally, said:

"It is with great regret I heard that Lord Ashdown has passed away. I first met Paddy in about 1989, when I became the President of Asian Liberal Democrats. He is by far the finest Liberal I have met. He is kind and gentle always with a smile. We used to correspond a lot until he gave up the leadership of the party. Apart from being our most successful leader, as a soldier and a diplomat he excelled himself.

"The attached picture is when as the President of ALD I introduced Paddy to the Asian Businessmen at the House of Commons in 1991. I cannot remember the joke I cracked, I think it was about his Military Service. We have lost a great man.

"May he rest in Peace."

Another member who knew him personally, David Buxton, has posted his memorial at https://www.facebook.com/david.buxton.376/posts/10155834366621657

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