Liberal Burblings

Photo from Rochdale-on-line

I was very sad to hear of the death of Sir Cyril Smith. I extend my great sympathy to his family and friends, and to the community of Rochdale.

We Liberals owe a great debt to Cyril.

During the times when we only had a few MPs, and during the controversy of the LibLab pact, Cyril’s role could be described in one word: stalwart.

It really was inspiring and deeply reassuring to have Cyril as a leading figure, demonstrating rock-solid liberal principles with great character and charisma.

I don’t think it is an exagerration to say that without him (plus a handful of other deeply committed and charismatic liberals such as David Penhalighon, David Steel, Russell Johnson, Jo Grimond, John Pardoe and Jeremy Thorpe) the Liberal Party and liberalism as a recognised, active movement in this country, would have evaporated sometime between 1960 and 1980.

Thank you Cyril!

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