Tributes have been paid to the former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, who has died at the age of 55.

Peter Carroll, who stood for Parliament in both Folkestone and Hythe and Maidstone and the Weald, said he would be sorely missed.

"In an age when so many people feel remote and disconnected from politics, he had a special gift of making people feel at ease and was a witty and charming man," he said.

He added that Mr Kennedy, who lost his seat at the recent election, was the first party leader to have raised the Ghurka Justice Campaign in Parliament.

"He had a special link with Kent because in 2004 he was the first political leader to take the issue seriously and raised it through questions in Parliament."

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch tweeted: "Desperately sad & shocking news about Charles Kennedy. My thoughts are with his family & friends. RIP"

Former Labour MP for Gillingham tweeted: "Very sad news this morning about Charles Kennedy. He was always friendly and polite. Thoughts are with his family and friends."

"Desperately sad & shocking news about Charles Kennedy. My thoughts are with his family & friends" - Tracey Crouch

Nick Clegg, who resigned as Liberal Democrat leader last month, said: "Charles devoted his life to public service, yet he had an unusual gift for speaking about politics with humour and humility which touched people well beyond the world of politics."

"He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "I am very sorry to hear the news about Charles Kennedy, he was always a polite and decent man."