That small, yet obviously very select, band of staff who had the privilege of working for Charles Kennedy are this week, like everyone in the world of politics and beyond, slowly coming to terms with his untimely and tragic loss.

Working for the Leader of a major political party is a rare honour, and often the pinnacle of a staffer’s career in Westminster. To those of us from Office Kennedy, these are dark days but we have been sharing thoughts and memories with each other which is helping to ease the blow.

The overwhelming view, as shown by most tributes, is one of deep sadness, fondness and respect for a man many in the media knew as a friend, and indeed often as a fellow journalist – far removed from the stuffy mould of many of today’s politicians.

They didn’t know “CK” (never Charlie) as we did of course, often exasperating and inspiring in equal measure but always kind and full of encouragement, especially to the newest members of staff. At the beginning of the Iraq crisis, I particularly remember Charles taking great care to speak to us all and note our opinions which, with one honourable exception (he knows who he is!) was happily the same as his own. His bravery and firm leadership during that time is his greatest legacy and one that resonates so strongly even today.

His mantra of “serious fun”, still followed by many of us, covered the fact that he actually wasn’t that “sociable” in the usual sense of the word. He was at best on a one to one basis, preferably mischievously gossiping over a cigarette (or a “breath of fresh air”) or some good, fairly plain British food. He was warm and humorous, although attempts at teaching him the finer arts of innuendo backfired totally with a rather unsavoury joke about a hoover which revealed yet another, rather innocent and slightly naïve side to his character.

His strengths and weaknesses made him who he was and, on behalf of all of those who worked for him, thank you Charles for allowing us to be proud members of KOOL (the Kennedy Office Old Lags) Our thoughts  are with Sarah, Donald and the rest of Charles’ family and friends.

* Sian Norris-Copson worked for Charles Kennedy for over 15 years, latterly at his Head of Office after he stood down as Leader