 Sir Cyril Smith, former MP for Rochdale |
Former Liberal and Liberal Democrat MP for Rochdale, Sir Cyril Smith, has died today aged 82.
Commenting on hearing the sad news of the death of Sir Cyril Smith, North West Liberal Democrat Chair Sue McGuire said, “Our first thoughts are with Sir Cyril’s family at this sad time. “The people of Rochdale have lost a formidable champion today and the Liberal Democrats have lost someone who has been an outstanding influence on the party locally, regionally and nationally for over 40 years.” North West Euro-MP Chris Davies knew Cyril Smith for more than 30 years. He represented the Littleborough and Saddleworth constituency next to Rochdale, and Cyril Smith acted as his campaign manager in the 1999 European election campaign. Chris Davies said, “Although he was never a European enthusiast he campaigned for me in 1999. I spent happy days travelling across the North West with Cyril, his brother Norman, and his former agent Rodney Stables. The car we used had been strengthened to bear their formidable collective weight and I was like the filling in a sandwich. Cyril wore his heart on his sleeve and was passionate about two things, Rochdale and politics. He could be a formidable foe, and the most loyal of friends. I have had experience of both. He was proud of what he had achieved and passionate about two things, Rochdale and politics. “Everyone knew him, absolutely everyone. He was forthright, and blunt, and people trusted him as an honest politician. But no-one should forget his total commitment to the political process with all its flaws. “Liberal leaders over the years lived in trepidation of the next missive from Emma Street, but he rarely did less than provide a huge boost for our party across the country.” |
