Former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond has died aged 69. Salmond, who led the country between 2007 and 2014 through the independence referendum, fell ill while in North Macedonia. The BBC reports that Salmond collapsed after giving a speech at an international conference on Saturday. Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the Scottish politician, calling him a “monumental figure in Scottish and British politics”. The First Minister said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy. “As First Minister of Scotland, he took a deep interest in the heritage, history and culture of Scotland, as well as the communities he represented as an MP and MSP over many years de service.” My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and loved ones. On behalf of the British Government, we express our condolences today. »
My statement on the sudden death of former Prime Minister Alex Salmond. pic.twitter.com/i3bK0cgJh1
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) October 12, 2024
Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar described Salmond as “a central figure in politics for more than three decades”. He wrote in a post on X: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s death today will come as a shock to everyone who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and, on behalf of the Scottish Labor Party, we offer our sincere condolences to all who mourn his loss. Sarwar added that “Salmond’s contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated. He continued: “It is only right that we recognize Alex’s service to our country as Prime Minister and to the communities he represented as an MP and MSP.
Separately, former prime minister Rishi Sunak said Salmond was a “huge figure in our politics”. In a tribute published in May rest in peace. »
Salmond resigned from the SNP in 2008 and later formed the independent party Alba in 2021. He was twice leader of the Scottish National Party, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014. More information to follow. Read more
Former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond has died aged 69
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