In Memory of Lord Campbell

Willie, Wendy and Lord Campbell

Last week, we, in North East Fife, the University of St Andrews, and both the Scottish and Federal Liberal Democrats lost one of our great parliamentarians and representatives, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, known to many as Ming. The tributes paid in recent days acknowledge the work of a true gentleman who represented his country in several fields, including athletics, politics, and diplomacy.

Having joined the Scottish Liberal Democrats in 2015, I’m not one of the many colleagues who can speak to their years of work and friendship with him. Indeed, my first meeting was during the selection process for North East Fife during the General Election in 2017. He was there, in the front row, to hear from both candidates, alongside his beloved Elspeth. He gave me kind words of encouragement for future candidacies afterwards.

He was always keen to attend events and speak with local parties. He was very well thought of within North East Fife and I know was very proud of becoming Lord Campbell of Pittenweem in particular.  When I was selected as the future General Election candidate in 2018, we quickly met for photographs for local campaign literature – having his endorsement was a key part of our campaign strategy! He was active during the 2019 General Election, and I know was delighted to see the seat return to the Liberal Democrats at that election. It’s a testament to him that my predecessor, Stephen Gethins, now MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, had such kind words to say at Ming’s passing.

Following my election, although interrupted by Covid, Ming and I would meet on a regular basis for a cup of tea (and sometimes a scone) to discuss North East Fife and local issues. He always kept me on my toes and had useful insights and guidance to share. We didn’t always agree, but the mutual respect was genuine. The loss of Elspeth in June 2023 hit him hard, and although he continued to attend the House of Lords after her death, it was clear in recent months that his health was beginning to fail. A few weeks ago, he moved into a care facility in London near his family. I took the time to visit him there just before the Federal Party Conference in Bournemouth, and although weak, he was keen to hear the latest from the constituency. I know that he had hoped to rally sufficiently to return home, and I’m sorry that was not to be. We are all poorer for his passing.