Alex Salmond death – latest: Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor’ ex-Scottish first minister

Jeremy Corbyn has praised Alex Salmond as “formidable, determined and principled to his core”.

In a post on X, the former Labour Party leader said: “Very sad to hear of Alex Salmond’s passing.

“He was formidable, determined and principled to his core.

“We will miss his tenacity and humour most. My thoughts are with his family and friends in Scotland and around the world.”

Returning as leader of the Scottish National Party in 2004, Alex Salmond guided his party to a narrow Scottish election win in 2007 and then led a minority government as he became Scotland’s first SNP First Minister – a feat many thought was unachievable.

That success was superseded in the 2011 election, when Mr Salmond led his party to an unprecedented victory, with a crushing defeat of its main rival and pre-election poll leaders, Labour.

The majority win was even more impressive considering the voting system at Holyrood is essentially designed to prevent such a result.

It meant the SNP’s manifesto pledge to hold an independence referendum could be delivered.

Mr Salmond signed the Edinburgh Agreement with David Cameron on 15 October 2012, setting out the terms of the referendum to held in 2014.

Despite attempts by some in the Yes camp to move the focus away from him, Mr Salmond was seen across the UK – and the wider world – as synonymous with the Scottish independence movement during the campaign.

As the 18 September vote drew closer, the polls narrowed, and Yes Scotland appeared to have the momentum. Many wondered whether the first minister could become the ultimate Scottish political history-maker.

But the result – a 55 per cent to 45 per cent vote to stay in the UK – led to his resignation on 19 September.

Alex Salmond’s later years would see a fracturing of his relationship with Nicola Sturgeon, culminating in the launch of his rival Scottish independence party, Alba, in 2021.

In 2016, after the vote to leave the EU, Mr Salmond made no secret of his preference for a second vote sooner rather than later – pre-empting the first minister’s autumn 2018 to spring 2019 timetable.

The pair’s relationship broke down following complaints about Mr Salmond’s behaviour while first minister from two Government employees.

The handling of the complaints would subsequently be found to have been “tainted by apparent bias”, according to a judge at the Court of Session who awarded Mr Salmond more than £500,000.

After he was cleared of accusations of sexual assault against nine women, including a charge of attempted rape, Mr Salmond accused senior figures in government of a plot to jail him, which Ms Sturgeon described as “absurd” in a hearing of a specially convened Holyrood inquiry.

Ms Sturgeon would later have her own troubles, announcing her resignation as party leader and first minister in February last year. She was arrested and questioned by police just a few months later in connection with an investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP.

Ash Regan, Edinburgh Eastern MSP and Alba leader at Holyrood, has described Alex Salmond as a “tour de force in politics”.

He posted on X: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself. My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream.”

Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said the party “grieves the loss of their founder and leader” Alex Salmond after he died suddenly on Saturday.

Mr MacAskill said that Mr Salmond “was the outstanding Scottish politician not just of his generation but for generations far before. Recognised at home and respected abroad”.

He continued: “He was not just a master political tactician but strategist. Yet also a politician who was a superb debater and orator. But one who equally possessed extraordinary charm and a common touch ,which endeared him to so many in Scotland.

“His record speaks for itself in moulding the modern SNP, forming the first independence administration and delivering both an unprecedented Holyrood majority and a referendum on independence. His legacy lives on and has benefited Scotland immensely with infrastructure and other social and economic gains testifying to that.

“The actions of individuals and later administrations undoubtedly took their toll upon him. Courts will still rightly decide upon the actions of individuals whose behaviour towards him was deplorable and shameful.

“But he had yet again risen to the challenges he had faced. Forging a media career and establishing the Alba Party, laying the groundwork for ensuring independence remained on the agenda and that a route to achieve it could once again be found.

“The party grieves the loss of their founder and leader. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.

“But the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die.”

Journalist Andrew Neil has remembered Alex Salmond as “the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times”.

In a post on X, Mr Neil said: “So sad to learn that Alex Salmond has died.

“I had lunch with him in London only three weeks ago – an epic lunch as it transpired, as was fitting with Alex – and he was in fine form. Full of plans and plots. He even paid! His upbeat mood then make this all the more surprising and sad.

“He and I could not have been more different in terms of Scotland’s position in the UK but we had a mutual respect and he knew I always regarded him as the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times.

“He was also the best of company. To be with him was always a joy. I will miss him hugely. So will Scotland.

“My condolences to his wonderful wife.”

Veteran SNP politician Joanna Cherry has described her devastation at the news Alex Salmond – Scotland’s “finest” first minister and her “loyal friend”– has died.

She said: "I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.

"Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him."

Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has described Alex Salmond as a “towering figure in Scottish politics”.

In a post on X, the MSP said: "Alex Salmond made a huge impact in the North East and across the whole country.

"While we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years.

"My thoughts are with Moira and his family and friends at this difficult time."