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”.
Leader of the Conservative Party Rishi Sunak praised Mr Salmond as a “huge figure in our politics”.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar remembered Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
SNP describes Salmond as 'titan of the independence movement’
The Scottish National Party has paid tribute to its former leader, describing him as “a titan of the independence movement”.
Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.
In a post on X, the SNP said: “Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, has died.
“His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government.
“He was a titan of the independence movement.
“Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.”
Watch: Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
First Minister of Scotland Swinney pays tribute to Salmond who ‘fought fearlessly for country he loved'
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has paid tribute to Alex Salmond as a politician who “worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence”.
In a statement, Mr Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.
“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.
“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”
Scottish Conservative leader praised Salmond as ‘formidable and impressive’ politician
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has said Alex Salmond will be remembered as a “formidable and impressive” politician.
In a statement, Mr Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.
“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.
“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”
‘Impossible to overstate impact Salmond had on Scotland and our politics,’ says Scottish secretary
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has said that “it is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics”.
Mr Murray continued: “He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.”
Scottish Labour leader Sarwar praises Salmond as ‘central figure in politics for over three decades'
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar praised Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
In a statement, Mr Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all 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 Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.
“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.”
Full story: Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
The Alba Party leader, who served as Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014, passed away on Saturday after giving a speech in North Macedonia.
Describing his death as “sudden” and “a shock”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
Read the full story here:
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69
The Alba Party leader passed away on Saturday after giving speech in North Macedonia
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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