Charles Kennedy: A Tragic Flaw

by Greg Hurst

Charles Kennedy was found dead on 1 June 2015. He was only 55 years of age. His death was due to complications resulting from alcohol abuse over many years. Much has been written about his addiction to alcohol, with justification. The condition dominated his life for at least 25 years, brought about the breakdown of his marriage and caused him to lie repeatedly about the problem. Those closest to him, family and colleagues, tried to help him but as Kennedy could not help himself, all their efforts were in vain. However, this tragic flaw which resulted in his premature death should not obscure Kennedy's career in politics, which began in 1983, with his election to parliament as the SDP member for Ross, Cromarty and Skye. He was just 23 years of age. Kennedy's victory was a shock. The seat had been held for the Conservatives by Hamish Gray since 1970. Several prominent candidates failed to win seats in 1983, including Menzies Campbell and it was suggested Kennedy felt 'undeserving' of his success, which may have sown the first seeds of self-doubt that dogged him throughout his career. Tipped as a future leader of his party at an early stage, Kennedy supported the merger of the SDP with the Liberal party in 1988. The process caused much turbulence but once the dust had settled, Kennedy emerged with credit. When Paddy Ashdown resigned in 1999, Kennedy was a candidate to succeed him and after several tortuous rounds of voting, he emerged as the victor over Simon Hughes. Kennedy inherited a financially strong party with 46 MPs, 10 MEPs, 17 MSPs in Edinburgh and six AMs in Cardiff. When he resigned the leadership in 2006 the Lib Dem's strength in Westminster had risen to 62 MPs and Kennedy was described as the most successful third party leader for more than eighty years. During Kennedy's tenure of office, he abandoned the traditional Lib-Lab cooperation and followed an independent route to position his party as the natural party of opposition. He also showed strong conviction when opposing Britain's planned involvement in the Iraq war in 2003. But nemesis was near. Rumours of his addiction to alcohol began to leak out and further humiliating public appearances, when drunk, brought matters to a head and he was forced to resign the leadership. This biography is a frank account of Charles Kennedy's political career that began in triumph and ended in tragedy.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Biography

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Will Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book for years but never got round to reading it. The book is strange in that it covers an exciting time with such brevity that you never really get to the heart of the action. It almost feels like your flying past and then touching down with stupendous detail on certain negotiations and political machinations. Following this the action then zooms back to 10,000 feet and a decade flies by with very little comment. It felt like a stereotypical political tome written by a political journalist who was around for much of the action. Which it is so that isn't much of a surprise.

[Adam Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never before read a book by a writer who had so much to work with, but rendered it so bland and pedantic. This was the most painful read of the year for me, which is disappointing given that Charles Kennedy was such an interesting and tragic figure who demonstrated what alcoholism can do to even the most naturally talented and amiable of persons. 2.5/5.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A measured biography covering the life of Charles Kennedy, ex-Liberal Democrat leader and Member of Parliament who sadly died last year. The author paints a fair picture, presenting a loved but flawed politician. Kennedy, a household name, was in Parliament from 1983 to 2015, and had a career which spanned the creation of the modern Liberal Democrats, the Iraq War (which he was careful to oppose when serving as his party's leader), and the Coalition government of 2010-15 in the years following his leadership.

Kennedy lost his seat last year, as the Scottish National Party surged to a landslide victory across Scotland, and the proud Highlander was tipped to use his many skills to form a successful post-Parliamentary career. Unfortunately he died not long after losing his seat, due to the damage alcohol had done to his body over the years, when he had struggled with addition. National politics stopped to pay tribute to this well-loved figure, who was a testament to his party and to Parliament.

Greg Hurst manages to write Kennedy's life story with authority and sensitivity, and draws upon his experience as a journalist to make the political events especially very accessible to those who might not have followed them at the time. I enjoyed learning more about modern political history and Kennedy's role in it, and would recommend this book to anyone who would appreciate doing the same.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and gives an honest picture of a much respected person battling with personal demons. But I felt that we never got to the heart of why he made the choices he did.