LONDON -- The former leader of the Liberal Democrat Party Charles Kennedy has died at his home in Scotland aged 55.
Kennedy's family said in a statement Tuesday they were devastated by his death. They did not announce the cause.
"It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy," his family said in a statement to media.
"We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son."
Nicknamed "Chat show Charlie," because of his many appearances on television programs, Kennedy was known for gregariousness and a light-hearted, common touch that helped win the party support.
Kennedy had been a Member of Parliament since 1983 winning the seat at the age of 24 and leading the Lib Dems from 1999 until 2006, stepping down after saying he was being treated for an alcohol problem.
During his time as leader, the party took 62 seats in the 2005 general election, the most successful result since the 1920s. He was a vocal opponent of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, long before the nation grew wary of the conflict. In the most recent general election, Kennedy lost his seat to a candidate from the Scottish National Party.
Tributes have poured in on Twitter to the former leader:
Charles Kennedy was one of the most gifted politicians of a generation, he always spoke with great humour, humility and courage.— Nick Clegg (@nick_clegg) June 2, 2015
I'm deeply saddened by the death of Charles Kennedy. He was a talented politician who has died too young. My thoughts are with his family.— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 2, 2015
Sad beyond words to hear the news about Charlie Kennedy. A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon.— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 2, 2015
TB: Charles' death is a tragedy. He was a lovely, genuine and committed public servant. I am saddened by this news. http://t.co/Eh0h5JdQZk— Tony Blair Office (@tonyblairoffice) June 2, 2015
Deeply progressive, a delightful person, with a great intellect. Hugely likeable, Charles Kenedy such a loss.— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) June 2, 2015
Charles Kennedy was a principled, decent man who stood up for what he believed.His death is a tragic loss.My heart goes out to his family.— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) June 2, 2015
Very sad to hear about death of Charles Kennedy - he deserves to be remembered foremost for his judgement & principles opposing the Iraq War— Natalie Bennett (@natalieben) June 2, 2015
Charles Kennedy. In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency— Paddy Ashdown (@paddyashdown) June 2, 2015
I am utterly heartbroken about the news of Charles' passing. He was a colleague, friend and mentor. We've lost a giant today.— Tim Farron (@timfarron) June 2, 2015
Bereft at news of Charles Kennedy. He was a warm, decent & generous Scot. Our politics and our national life is a lot poorer this morning.— Douglas Alexander (@Douglas4Paisley) June 2, 2015
I am very sorry to hear the news about Charles Kennedy, he was always a polite and decent man.— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 2, 2015
So sad to hear of Charles Kennedy's passing. He proved to be right on Iraq. History will be as kind to him as he was to others. A great loss— John Prescott (@johnprescott) June 2, 2015
Very saddened to hear about the death of Charles Kennedy: a devoted public servant, a gifted Parliamentarian, and a man of great warmth.— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) June 2, 2015
tribute blog - Charles Kennedy - a lovely man, a talented politician, a great friend with a shared enemy http://t.co/MZ9NFYWg4p— Alastair Campbell (@campbellclaret) June 2, 2015
Additional reporting from the Associated Press.