Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum following the death of Walter Menzies Campbell, known affectionately as "Ming," who passed away on September 27, 2025, at the age of 84. Campbell, a towering figure in British politics and athletics, leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, integrity, and a quiet modesty that endeared him to colleagues and adversaries alike.
Born in Glasgow in 1941, Campbell’s early years were shaped by adversity. Raised in a tenement block, he experienced firsthand the challenges of a working-class upbringing. His father, a joiner, struggled with alcoholism—a fact that would profoundly influence Campbell’s lifelong aversion to whisky. Yet, it was his mother’s determination that set him on a different path. She managed to secure him a place at the prestigious Hillhead High School, where his athletic prowess quickly became apparent. Nicknamed “Ming the Wing,” he excelled in both athletics and rugby, becoming a local legend for his speed and agility.
Campbell’s academic journey took him to Glasgow University, where he studied law and soon became president of both the Liberal Club and the university itself. It was during these formative years that he forged friendships with future Labour leader John Smith and future cabinet ministers Donald Dewar and Derry Irvine. According to The Sun, Campbell’s university days were also marked by a string of athletic achievements, as he broke Scottish records for the 100 and 200-yard sprints.
In 1967, Campbell’s athletic career reached a dramatic peak when he defeated O.J. Simpson in a 100-meter race, setting a British record in the process. The moment stands out not only for its sporting significance but for the contrasting paths the two men would later take—Simpson toward infamy, Campbell toward a life of public service. Reflecting on his time as an athlete, Campbell once remarked that attending Stanford University in California was “a watershed in my life because it made me realise there was a world outside Glasgow.” This period abroad broadened his horizons and laid the groundwork for his future in politics.
Romance came swiftly for Campbell. In 1970, he met Elspeth, the daughter of World War Two hero Major General Roy Urquhart—portrayed by Sean Connery in the film A Bridge Too Far. Within four weeks, the couple married, beginning a partnership that would last more than five decades. Elspeth, a divorcee with a young son, became Campbell’s steadfast supporter throughout his political career. According to a remembrance published on September 27, 2025, Campbell was remembered as “a dignified statesman and devoted husband.”
Campbell’s early attempts to enter Parliament were met with disappointment. He ran unsuccessfully in four elections before finally securing the North East Fife seat in 1987. Once in Westminster, he quickly established himself as a principled and thoughtful legislator. His first private members’ bill called for a ban on anabolic steroids, reflecting his concern for fairness in sport and society at large.
In 1988, Campbell was appointed defence spokesman for the newly-formed Liberal Democrats, a role in which he would distinguish himself over the years. When Paddy Ashdown stepped down as party leader in 1999, Campbell was seen as the natural successor. However, fate intervened: he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and withdrew from the leadership race to focus on his health. After undergoing chemotherapy, he made a full recovery—a testament to his resilience and determination.
Campbell’s time in Parliament was marked by his willingness to stand up for his beliefs, even when it meant challenging powerful figures. He was a vocal opponent of the 2003 Iraq War, confronting President George W. Bush during the U.S. leader’s state visit to London. His principled stance won him respect across party lines, and he was knighted for his service. Campbell later became deputy leader to Charles Kennedy, another Liberal Democrat leader who struggled with alcoholism. Torn between loyalty to his friend and responsibility to his party, Campbell described the experience as “watching a slowly unfolding tragedy.”
In January 2006, at the age of 66, Campbell was elected leader of the Liberal Democrats. At the time, he was notably older than his main political rivals—Gordon Brown, then 56, and David Cameron, just 41. Campbell met questions about his age with characteristic wit, once quipping, “I promise not to take advantage of the youth and inexperience of my opponents.” Despite his humor and gravitas, Campbell’s leadership was short-lived. After just 19 months at the helm, he stepped down, becoming the first Liberal Democrat leader never to contest a general election. In his own words, “My resignation was followed by canonisation.”
After leaving the House of Commons in 2015, Campbell was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Campbell of Pittenweem. In his memoirs, he wrote with typical modesty, “I see my life as one of experience and not of achievement.” Yet, those who knew him best would argue otherwise. Over 28 years as MP for North East Fife, Campbell built a reputation for decency, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Reflecting on Campbell’s life, it’s clear that his journey was shaped as much by setbacks as by successes. Whether facing defeat at the polls, illness, or the pressures of leadership, he responded with resilience and grace. His story is a reminder that political life is rarely a straight line—and that the measure of a statesman lies not in the offices they hold, but in the values they embody.
As tributes continue to flow, Campbell’s legacy as both a dignified statesman and a devoted husband is secure. From the tenements of Glasgow to the corridors of Westminster and the House of Lords, he remained true to his principles, never seeking the spotlight for its own sake. In a political era often marked by brashness and self-promotion, Campbell’s quiet strength and humility offer a different model—one that many will remember, and few will forget.
