Yesterday I was very sad to learn that David Rendel, our Lideral Democrat parliamentary candidate for Somerton & Frome in last year’s general election, has died at his home in Newbury, after a battle with cancer.

Tributes to David have been pouring in from Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, former leader Paddy Ashdown, and from many others who knew, worked with and respected David and his lifetime of work. David and his team won the Newbury by-election in 1993 with a record majority and was re-elected twice, being the MP for Newbury for 12 years.

I had the privilege to work with David on his campaign for parliament in Somerton & Frome last year. We canvassed residents in my ward in Frome several times in the period leading up to the general and local elections. He impressed me with his enthusiasm, dignity, his knowledge and intelligence, and overwhelmingly his energy during the campaign. I agreed with him on nearly everything.  I know David was passionate about fairness, and still early this year was continuing to campaign for proportional representation.  He will be much missed.

 

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