Dear John,

Liberal Democrats everywhere will be deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

We are all mourning the profound loss of a great monarch who served our country so faithfully for all her life and who was loved the world over.

For many people - myself included - The Queen was an ever-fixed mark in our lives. As the world around us changed and politicians came and went, The Queen was our constant. Her presence will be greatly missed.

The Queen represented duty and courage, as well as warmth and compassion. She was a living reminder of our collective past, of the greatest generation and their sacrifices for our freedom.

My thoughts and prayers of course go to the Royal Family - but also to people in every corner of the world whose lives she touched.

In the coming days, Liberal Democrats will be joining the country and the world in paying full tribute to Her Majesty.

And as our nation enters a period of mourning, we will be suspending all campaigning activity immediately. An email from our Chief Executive will follow shortly with practical details.

With best wishes,