Liberal Democrat stalwart Cyril Smith dies

Published on Friday 3 September 2010 15:41

Veteran politician Cyril Smith has died at the age of 82, it was announced today.

Sir Cyril served as the Liberal and later Liberal Democrat MP for Rochdale from 1972 until retiring in 1992.

He became one of his party's most powerful figures in the 1970s and 1980s - both his famously rotund stature and his larger-than-life personality made him a distinctive character in British politics.

A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale, the town where he was born and raised, confirmed his death this morning.

The former MP was made an MBE for his public services in 1966 and was knighted in 1988.

A spokesman for the Lib Dems in Rochdale said: "Sir Cyril had been ill for many months and passed away in his sleep at Hurstead nursing home, Rochdale."

His brother Norman said: "Cyril passed away peacefully this morning with members of his family around him. I couldn't have asked for a better brother."

Current Rochdale MP, Labour's Simon Danczuk, said: "Cyril Smith was a towering figure in Rochdale politics and will be missed by many."

Former Lib Dem Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, who lost his seat to Mr Danczuk in this year's General Election, called him "an amazing ambassador for our town".

He said: "I have known Sir Cyril since his first election victory in 1972. He has been a truly amazing ambassador for our town and a true inspiration to me personally.

"During my years as Rochdale MP he was a great source of advice and help and he remained active within the party up until only a few months ago due to his illness.

"He will be sadly missed by thousands of people, not only in Rochdale, but across the country.

"He was a towering figure for our party and led us through difficult times."