British former politician Paddy Ashdown died

london - Paddy Ashdown, the former leader of the British Liberal Democrats, died at the age of 77. This reports the party on Twitter.

'With great sadness we announce that Paddy Ashdown died earlier in the evening after a short illness', according to the party. 'Paddy will be greatly missed as a dear friend and colleague. He will be remembered as someone who has made an immeasurable contribution to the liberal cause. '

Ashdown announced in early November that he had bladder cancer.