Senior Liberal Democrats have hit out at the inclusion of lyrics mocking Charles Kennedy’s drinking problem in the songbook for an annual activist party.

The controversy comes just months after the former party leader's death.

Willie Rennie, the Scottish Lib Dem leader, said the organisers of the annual unofficial end-of-conference event had "misjudged the mood of the party”.

Another senior Lib Dem said “it is clearly wrong” while aides to Lib Dem leader Tim Farron described the songs as “inappropriate”.

Yesterday the party paid an emotional tribute to Mr Kennedy, including a standing ovation at the end of a 8-minute long film dedicated to his life.

Featuring clips of Mr Kennedy from famous speeches and televisión appearances much of it focused on his powerful opposition to the Iraq war.

Mr Farron said: "(You) gave us our heart, you gave us our principles... you were a hero before I met you and you became a friend."

The updated 2015 LibDem Glee club songbook includes a verse that talks of Mr Kennedy “downing bottles in a trice”.

It goes on: “Oh hear us Charlie when we ask/ To share the contents of your flask”.

Another reads: “Charles Kennedy must be added to the list/ A lovely little leader but a bugger when he’s p*****”.

Mr Rennie described Mr Kennedy as "hugely respected and admired".

He added: "Liberator, which is a fringe organisation, has misjudged the mood of the party.”

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "Making light of Charles Kennedy's illness is, in my view, disrespectful and shows a lack of understanding of the condition."

But other defended the songs.

Former Lib Dem MP John Hemming told the Birmingham Mail the lyrics had been written many years ago and it would be wrong to remove them now.

“Charles wouldn’t have wanted that at all," he said.

The Glee club is a traditional opportunity for Lib Dem members and politicians to blow off steam.

Some songs about Mr Kennedy are understood t have been retired from this year's event as a mark of respect, in consultation with his family.

Mr Kennedy’s well-documented battle with alcohol was one of the factors that led to him standing down as LibDem leader in 2006.

The popular politician died in June at home in Fort William aged just 55, after suffering a major haemorrhage linked to his drinking problem.