Menzies ‘Ming’ Campbell, the former Liberal Democrat leader, has died at the age of 84, it was announced today.

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, who led the Lib Dems from 2006 to 2007, passed away in London on Friday in the company of his grandson after a period in respite care.

He spent one of his final days watching the Lib Dem conference and had been planning to return to his native Scotland.

Sir Ed Davey, the current Lib Dem leader, paid tribute to Lord Campbell as ‘a true Liberal giant’.

During his long political career, he held a number of roles on the Lib Dem frontbench before succeding Charles Kennedy as leader in March 2006.

However, he stepped down from the leadership role less than 18 months later when then-Labour PM Gordon Brown chose not to call a general election in 2007, combined with a push for a younger leader.

Lord Campbell, who was MP for North East Fife between 1987 and 2015, went on to become a long-serving chancellor of the University of St Andrews.

Prior to his political career, Lord Campbell was a sprinter who competed for Great Britain at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

He was once dubbed ‘the fastest white man on the planet’ and set a new British record in the 100m in 1967 with a time of 10.2 seconds, which remained unbeaten until 1972.

That race also saw him finish ahead of then-aspiring US athlete OJ Simpson.

Ming Campbell, the former Liberal Democrat leader, has died at the age of 84, it was announced today

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, who led the Lib Dems between 2006 and 2007, died in London on Friday in the presence of his grandson following a period of respite care

Lord Campbell pictured with his wife Elspeth at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton in September 2006

Sir Ed remarked: ‘With a parliamentary career spanning five decades, Ming Campbell was a devoted public servant, a relentless advocate for Fife, St Andrews, and the UK, and a true Liberal titan.

‘He served as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on foreign affairs when the events of 9/11 unfolded, and his principled stance against the Iraq War demonstrated his morality, bravery, and insight. He advocated for what was right, even in challenging circumstances.

‘Like so many of us, I benefitted greatly from Ming’s advice and guidance over the many years we worked closely together.

‘But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague, with such generosity and humour.

‘Ming was always great company – whether talking about sport with the authority of a captain of Britain’s athletics team and a British 100m record-holder, or asking about you and your family, when he would always pass on kind thoughts from his wife, Elspeth – his rock.

‘All of us in the Liberal Democrat family and beyond will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.’

Lord Campbell’s grandson, Gregor Grant-Suttie, said: ‘Ming achieved a lot through his life, across sport, law and politics.

‘But the myriad of accolades and awards he collected in his professional life paled in comparison to his achievements as a husband, father figure, grandfather, and friend.’

Lord Campbell’s family thanked his care facility, Kyn Hurlingham, for their ‘exceptional care and attention’ over recent months.