Sir Menzies 'Ming' Campbell, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, has passed away at the age of 84. Known affectionately as Ming, he led the party from 2006 to 2007 and served as a Member of Parliament for 28 years.

Before his political career, Campbell was a sprinter who represented Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, competing in the 100m event and earning the nickname The Flying Scotsman. He was a prominent figure in Parliament, particularly noted for his vocal opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His articulate criticism of then-Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to join the American-led coalition was widely recognised.

In partnership with the party's charismatic leader Charles Kennedy, Campbell played a significant role in achieving the best general election result for the Liberal party since the era of David Lloyd George. He became the party leader at the age of 64 but faced challenges during his tenure.

His leadership was cut short after just 19 months, as he struggled to dispel perceptions regarding his age. At the time, he was significantly older than his counterparts, including David Cameron of the Conservative Party, who was only 39. Campbell's dignified presence and tailored suits often gave him an air of being from a different era, which made it difficult for him to adapt to the fast-paced demands of modern media.

His initial attempts to challenge Blair during Prime Minister's Questions were met with difficulties, leading to a decline in his political standing. Despite these challenges, Campbell remained a respected figure in British politics, known for his commitment to public service and his contributions to parliamentary debate.