Former Liberal Democrat MP Cyril Smith dies aged 82

Veteran politician Sir Cyril Smith died today aged 82.

Sir Cyril served as the Liberal and later Liberal Democrat MP for Rochdale from 1972 until retiring in 1992.

He became one of his party's heavyweight political figures in the 1970s and 1980s - both his famously rotund stature and his larger-than-life personality made him a distinctive character in British politics.

A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale, the town where he was born and raised, confirmed his death this morning.

The former MP was made an MBE for his public services in 1966 and was knighted in 1988.

The lifelong bachelor, who reportedly weighed 29 stones at one point, was often a thorn in the side of his party's leadership.

Famously outspoken with a typical Northern bluntness, Sir Cyril once described Parliament as "the longest running farce in the West End" and never made it to the leadership of his party.

During a political career spanning decades he changed parties three times and in 1976 suggested the formation of a completely new Centre party.

From humble beginnings in Rochdale he won a scholarship to Rochdale Grammar School for Boys, honing his debating skills at the local Unitarian Church.

Elected to Parliament in 1972 in a landslide victory over Labour in his home town, he began his resolutely independent career at Westminster despite his party affiliation.

He became party spokesman on employment and chief whip but rejected calls for him to stand as the party leader.

He finally retired from Westminster in 1992.

A spokesman for the Lib Dems in Rochdale said: "Sir Cyril had been ill for many months and passed away in his sleep at Hurstead nursing home, Rochdale."

His brother Norman said: "Cyril passed away peacefully this morning with members of his family around him. I couldn't have asked for a better brother."

Current Rochdale MP, Labour's Simon Danczuk, said: "Cyril Smith was a towering figure in Rochdale politics and will be missed by many."

Former Lib Dem Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, who lost his seat to Mr Danczuk in this year's General Election, called him "an amazing ambassador for our town".

He said: "I have known Sir Cyril since his first election victory in 1972. He has been a truly amazing ambassador for our town and a true inspiration to me personally.

"During my years as Rochdale MP he was a great source of advice and help and he remained active within the party up until only a few months ago due to his illness.

"He will be sadly missed by thousands of people, not only in Rochdale, but across the country.

"He was a towering figure for our party and led us through difficult times."

Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "Cyril Smith was a larger-than-life character and one of the most recognisable and likeable politicians of his day.

"I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his death today, and offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

"Everybody in Rochdale knew him, not only as their MP but also as a friend.

"He was a true Liberal, dedicated to his constituency, always showing great passion and determination.

"Cyril was a colourful politician who kept the flame of Liberalism alive when the party was much smaller than it is today.

"Rochdale and Britain have sadly lost one of their great MPs, and I think we can safely say there will never be an MP quite like Cyril Smith again."