Paddy Ashdown
23 Dec 2018
Commenting on the sad news last night of the death of former Liberal Democrat leader and former Bedford School boy Paddy Ashdown, Mayor Dave Hodgson said:
"Very sad to hear the terrible news about Paddy Ashdown. Paddy was a Bedford School boy who went on to serve his country with distinction in the military, as a politician, and as a diplomat.
He is a towering figure in the liberal movement, and someone I'm proud to have known and have worked with.
Every time he came back to Bedford, as he did many times, he enjoyed reminiscing about old haunts from his school days and noticing how things had changed and also how they hadn't.
A sad day. My thoughts are with Jane and the family.
Rest in peace Paddy."