Who Is Paddy Ashdown? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paddy Ashdown was born on February 27, 1941, in Newnham, Somerset, England. His full name was Jeremy John Ashdown. He was an influential British politician, leader of the Liberal Democrats, and a prominent figure in the UK’s political landscape. Ashdown was known for his ardent commitment to liberal principles and international diplomacy, particularly in the Balkans during his time as a high representative in Bosnia.
He passed away on December 22, 2018, but his legacy continues to inspire many in the realms of politics and public service.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1941 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | New Delhi, British India |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 22 December, 2018 |
| Died Place | Bristol, England |
Popularity
Paddy Ashdown's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements may not be widely published, it is known that Paddy Ashdown stood at an approximate height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). He maintained a healthy weight during his lifetime, though precise numbers are unavailable. His physicality, combined with his charismatic personality, helped him gain significant recognition in the political sphere.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paddy Ashdown was married to Jane (née Sherwood) Ashdown in 1964, and together they had three children: Kate, Simon, and Olivia. Unfortunately, he lost Jane in 2018, shortly before his own passing. Throughout his life, Ashdown was known for being a devoted family man, and his familial ties continued to play a crucial role in his public persona and political motivations.
Ashdown was the eldest of seven children: four brothers and two sisters. His father was a lapsed Catholic, and his mother a Protestant. His mother (née Hudson) was a nurse in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.
Ashdown's father, John William Richard Durham Ashdown (1909–1980), was a British Indian Army officer who served in the 14th Punjab Regiment and the Royal Indian Army Service Corps, and in 1944 attained the rank of temporary lieutenant colonel.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Paddy Ashdown's estimated net worth was around £3 million. His wealth was accumulated through various avenues, including his political career, writing, and speaking engagements. Ashdown authored several books, both autobiographical and political, which contributed to his earnings.
In 2025, while detailed figures related to potential estate discussions may emerge, it is noteworthy that his financial legacy primarily consists of his contributions to literature and ongoing influence in the political realm through his family and former associates.
Career, Business, and Investments
A towering figure in British politics, Paddy Ashdown served as the leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 to 1999. He played a pivotal role in promoting liberal democratic values and advocating for a united Europe.
His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including leading the party during the major political shifts of the late 20th century and early 2000s. After stepping down from active politics, Ashdown remained involved in various organizations and think tanks, focusing on international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.
Shortly after entering the House of Commons, he was appointed SDP–Liberal Alliance spokesman on trade and industry and then on education. He opposed the privatisation of the Royal Ordnance Factories in 1984, criticised the Thatcher government in 1986 for allowing the United States to bomb Libya from UK bases, and campaigned against the loss of trade union rights by workers at GCHQ in 1987.
Social Network
Paddy Ashdown was active on several social media platforms during his lifetime, including Twitter and LinkedIn, where he shared his thoughts on current affairs and political issues. Today, his legacy continues to be honored by his family and supporters through various remembrance pages and social media tributes that highlight his impact on British politics and society.
Ashdown led the Liberal Democrats into two general elections, in 1992 and 1997, and three European Parliament elections, in 1989, 1994 and 1999. The Lib Dems failed to win any seats in the 1989 European Parliament election.
They recorded a net loss of two seats in the 1992 general election when the party was still recovering from the after-effects of the 1988 merger. In 1994, the party gained its first two Members of the European Parliament. At the 1997 election, the Liberal Democrats won 46 seats, their best performance since the Liberal Party in the 1920s.
However, they took a smaller share of the vote than in the 1992 election. While the Liberal Democrats vote share decreased in the 1999 European Parliament election, the move from first-past-the-post to the D'Hondt method saw the party make a net gain of 8 seats.
Education
Ashdown was educated at Bedales School and went on to study at the University of Exeter, where he earned a degree in Modern Languages (French and German). His educational background played a significant role in shaping his worldview and his later commitment to European unity and understanding among nations.
He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2000 and after retiring from the Commons one month previously, he was created a life peer, the peerage being gazetted on 16 July 2001 as that of Baron Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, of Norton-sub-Hamdon in the County of Somerset.
In the 2001 election, the Yeovil seat was retained for the Liberal Democrats by David Laws. Likewise, in 2001, the University of Bath conferred on Ashdown an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
