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Passing of Sir Cyril Smith, former Liberal MP for Rochdale
September 7, 2010 11:24 AM
Last week greeted us with the sad news that one of the most recognisable faces in politics, Sir Cyril Smith, had passed away at the age of 82. Sir Cyril was born and bred in Rochdale, and having been highly committed to Rochdale residents through his involvement in local politics, most notably becoming Mayor of Rochdale in 1966, he would go on to serve for an impressive twenty years in the House of Commons.
Having been elected as an MP for the Liberal Party in 1972, he immediately became a well-known figure in Westminster through his jovial personality and larger-than-life character. Over the years he would also become a familiar face to the country through his numerous television appearances, and he also rose through the party's ranks to become Chief Whip under the leadership of Jeremy Thorpe. Having been awarded an MBE back in 1966, Sir Cyril was deservedly knighted in 1988 for his services to the public.
He never married, claiming he was married to politics instead, and indeed this was a commitment he demonstrated through his extremely admirable sense of public duty. Retiring from the House in 1992, it is a testimony to Sir Cyril's popularity that he remained in high-demand as a speaker at local and Liberal Democrat functions. Sir Cyril was indeed a gentle giant, and Rochdale may now be a lesser place in his absence, but it will forever remain a better place for having had his respected and cherished presence.
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