A Liberal Democrat councillor has paid tribute to a politician who transformed her party.

Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Councillor Sara Bedford, said ex-marine Paddy Ashdown was an “inspirational” member of the Liberal Democrats.

The former party leader died on Friday night aged 77, just two months after he revealed he was being treated for bladder cancer.

Lord Ashdown gained the best result ever for the Lib Dems at the 1997 election and oversaw the Dayton peace agreement which has maintained stability in the Balkans since the Bosnian war.

Sir Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, said it was “a hugely sad day” for the party.

Cllr Bedford said: “I have known Paddy for almost 30 years. Throughout that time, he has encouraged, praised and chided me in equal measures. He was inspirational as a liberal and a leader, yet occasionally infuriating.

“He was a liberal to the core, but also an internationalist, a pluralist and someone who wanted to see as many people as possible involved in democracy, both in the UK and across the world. And he combined those qualities with decency and compassion, and a patriotism that opposed nationalism.

“Our thoughts are with Jane, their children and grandchildren.”