Kennedy to host TTJ Awards

Charles Kennedy MP and former leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, will be the host and guest speaker at the 2008 TTJ Awards.

Mr Kennedy, 48, was one of the youngest ever MPs when he was elected as a member of the Social Democrats (SDP) to represent Ross, Cromarty and Skye in 1982.

In parliament he has acted as party spokesperson on a range of issues, from the welfare state to Europe, agriculture and rural affairs. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Liberal Democrats as the first SDP MP to back the merger of his party with the Liberals in 1987.

He was elected UK party president in 1990 and leader in 1999.

During his six years heading the party, the Liberal Democrats made major advances in local elections and, in 2005, achieved the party’s best national election result in 80 years when it returned 63 MPs to the House of Commons.

Mr Kennedy stood down as leader in 2006 and is now vice-president of Liberal International and president of The European Movement in Britain.

He is also well known for his TV appearances, including as chairman on the satirical quiz show Have I Got News For You.

“The TTJ Awards have a reputation for the calibre of their host, with Alastair Campbell, William Hague, Laurence Llwellyn Bowen and Michael Portillo among the big hitters who have filled the role,” said TTJ editor Mike Jeffree. “Charles Kennedy is right up with our previous speakers. He’s renowned for his wit and humour and is widely regarded as one of the most talented politicians of his generation. I’m sure he’ll be an interesting and entertaining host.”

The 2008 TTJ Awards take place at the Park Lane Hotel, London, on September 18. For tickets contact Natasha Denney, tel: 020 8269 7833, nden-ney@wilmington.co.uk

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