The political world is mourning the loss of Lord Menzies Campbell, affectionately known as Ming, who died peacefully in London at the Kyn Hurlingham care facility on September 26, 2025, at the age of 84. His final days were spent surrounded by family, watching the Liberal Democrat party conference, and reflecting on a life marked by remarkable achievement in sport, law, and politics. His passing, announced by the Liberal Democrats, prompted a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum, underscoring his enduring influence and the deep respect he commanded.
Born in Glasgow on May 22, 1941, Campbell’s early years were shaped by a commitment to hard work and education, values he would carry throughout his life. He attended Hillhead High School and the University of Glasgow, where he studied law and debated alongside future political luminaries such as John Smith and Donald Dewar. His academic pursuits led him to Stanford University, but it was his prowess on the track that first brought him national recognition. Campbell competed in the 200 meters for Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and again at the 1966 Commonwealth Games. He captained the UK athletics team in 1965 and 1966 and held the British 100m record from 1967 to 1974—a testament to his discipline and drive.
Campbell’s transition from athletics to law was seamless. Called to the Scottish bar in 1968, he quickly established himself as a respected advocate, becoming advocate-depute in 1977 and taking silk as Queen’s Counsel in 1982. Yet, his passion for politics was never far from the surface. A lifelong Liberal, Campbell chaired the Scottish Liberal Party from 1975 to 1977 and remained a steadfast supporter of liberal values, even as his peers found easier paths within Scotland’s dominant Labour Party.
His persistence paid off in 1987, when he won the North East Fife seat, previously a Conservative stronghold, by a margin of 1,447 votes. He would represent the constituency until his retirement in 2015, building a reputation as a “local champion with a national reputation,” as described by Willie Rennie, the MSP for North East Fife. Campbell’s parliamentary career spanned five decades, during which he became a leading voice on foreign affairs and defence—roles that suited his analytical mind and international outlook.
From 1997, Campbell served as the Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, later becoming deputy leader in 2003. His expertise and principled stance were perhaps most evident in his opposition to the Iraq war in 2003, when he emerged as one of the most effective critics of Britain’s involvement. “He spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard,” said current Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, who called Campbell’s leadership “a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom.”
Campbell’s leadership of the Liberal Democrats, from March 2006 to October 2007, came at a challenging time for the party. He assumed the role at age 65, already a respected elder statesman but, as some commentators noted, past his political prime. Despite his deep knowledge and competence, his tenure was cut short by internal party dynamics and a perception that he was not the right figure to lead the party into a new era. Nick Clegg, who succeeded him, remembered Campbell as “unfailingly generous with his time and advice,” noting, “His deep interest in foreign affairs was especially impactful – and even when he disagreed with me, he did so with his trademark courtesy and wit.”
Though Campbell never held ministerial office, his influence was profound. He was instrumental in the creation of the Liberal Democrats through the union of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party in 1988, advocating for pragmatic policies and a strong Atlanticist stance. While he was a supporter of NATO and maintained close ties with the United States, he was unafraid to criticize American policy when he felt it was misguided, particularly during the Iraq conflict. His stance on nuclear defence and his skepticism of European integration set him apart from many in his party, reflecting a nuanced approach to international affairs.
Beyond politics, Campbell’s personal life was marked by devotion and resilience. He married Elspeth Urquhart in 1970, and their partnership was widely regarded as a cornerstone of his success. Lady Elspeth, who passed away in June 2023, was described by Campbell as “my constant political companion, always my encouragement and forever my first line of defence.” Their more than 50 years of marriage were a source of strength, and her loss was keenly felt by Campbell and those who knew them both.
Campbell’s courage was also evident in his public battle with cancer in 2002. He chose to confront the disease openly, appearing on television at his most vulnerable and inspiring many with his determination to recover. This period coincided with his leadership during the Iraq war debate, a time many consider his finest hour in Parliament.
Tributes from colleagues and friends paint a picture of a man whose impact extended far beyond the confines of party politics. “Ming achieved a lot through his life, across sport, law and politics. But the myriad of accolades and awards he collected in his professional life paled in comparison to his achievements as a husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend,” said his grandson Gregor Grant-Suttie. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton recalled delivering leaflets for Campbell’s first election and described him as “one of the most respected politicians of his generation.” Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, noted that Campbell remained active in the House of Lords until the last weeks of his life, even after the loss of his beloved Elspeth.
Jeremy Purvis, Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords, summed up Campbell’s legacy: “Ming was a fighter and a campaigner all of his life – whether that was on the sports track, in the court room, the House of Commons or the House of Lords. He was a hugely important part of the Liberal Democrat group in the Lords and was respected throughout Westminster for his experience, internationalism, his wisdom and his great ability to construct a convincing argument – about almost anything at all.”
Lord Menzies Campbell’s life was one of quiet determination, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. His legacy endures not only in the policies he championed and the records he set but in the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, warmth, and integrity.
