FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has passed away, a party spokesman has announced.
The Lib Dems announced on Twitter around 8pm today (December 22) that the ex-Yeovil MP had 'passed away following a short illness'.
In November, Lord Ashdown announced he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
"I have known for about three weeks that I am suffering from a cancer of the bladder," he said.
"I am being effectively and wonderfully looked after by everyone at Yeovil Hospital, in whom I have complete confidence."
Lord Ashdown served as leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1999.
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