Charles Kennedy dead: A guy once asked the Lib Dem leader who his favourite Muppet was and his letter response was wonderful

'Even though he is blue he is a nice guy'

(Getty)

Charles Kennedy, who died today at the age of 55, must have been rather busy when he received a letter inquiring as to which is his favourite muppet in 2004, as he was leader of the Liberal Democrat Party at the time.

He still found a spare moment to reply however, informing the man that it was in fact Gonzo, and adding quite touchingly: "Even though he is blue he is a nice guy."

Phil Lucas, who made the Muppet request, posted the response on Twitter following the news of Kennedy's death this morning, describing him as a "lovely man".

Kennedy passed away suddenly at his home in Fort William, his family have said.

Police Scotland said the death is not being treated as suspicious. A post-mortem is set to be carried out.

A statement released on behalf of his family read: "It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.

"Charles died at home in Fort William yesterday. He was 55. We are obviously devastated at the loss.

"Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days.

"There will be a post-mortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made."

Kennedy was 'proven right' about the Iraq war, and in a poignant last article urged the Lib Dems to 'fight back'.