Alex Salmond death – latest: Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor’ ex-Scottish first minister
Sir Keir Starmer also praises Alba leader as ‘monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics’
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Tributes have poured in for the longtime Scottish first minister Alex Salmond after his sudden death aged 69 shocked the world of politics in which he was a senior figure for decades.
The current Alba leader passed away on Saturday afternoon at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the North Macedonia lake-resort town of Ohrid, the party’s general secretary Chris McEleny confirmed.
He had made a speech at the event, and the party said it understood he suffered a heart attack at lunch in a crowded room, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.
Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014, with contemporaries from across the political spectrum expressing their condolences.
British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes, describing Mr Salmond as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” for more than 30 years.
Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to her “mentor”, while Scotland’s current first minister John Swinney said Mr Salmond “fought fearlessly” for Scottish independence.
Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said the party “grieves the loss of their founder and leader”.
Starmer leads tributes to Salmond calling him a ‘monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics’
Sir Keir Starmer has led the tributes pouring in for Alex Salmond, calling him a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.
The British prime minister said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service.
“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.”
Sunak pays tribute to Salmond as ‘huge figure in our politics’
Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Mr Salmond as a “huge figure in our politics”.
In a tribute posted on X, the Conservative Party leader added: “While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”
Tributes pour in for longtime Scottish first minister Alex Salmond who has died aged 69
Tributes have poured in for the longtime Scottish first ministerAlex Salmond who has died aged 69.
The Alba Party leader served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has led the tributes to Mr Salmond, describing him as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.
Former prime minister and leader of the UK opposition Rishi Sunak said Mr Salmond was a “huge figure in our politics”.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Mr Salmond was “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
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