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Ex-Labour chancellor Alistair Darling has died at the age of 70 after being treated for cancer.
A statement put out on behalf of his family announced on Thursday that the political veteran died in Edinburgh after a “short spell” in hospital.
Mr Darling held several cabinet positions under Tony Blair and was appointed Chancellor by Gordon Brown, serving from 2007 to 2010 and leading the Treasury during the financial crisis.
Following news of his death, the former MP for Edinburgh South West was praised for his devotion to politics – in particular in Scotland.
And politicians paid tribute to his leadership during the financial upheaval of 2008, with former prime minister Mr Brown describing him as having a “global reputation” for competence and good judgement.
“Alistair will be remembered as a statesman of unimpeachable integrity whose life was defined by a strong sense of social justice and who gained a global reputation for the assured competence and the exercise of considered judgement he brought to the handling of economic affairs,” he said.
He added: “He was held in the highest esteem by me and all who worked with him for the way in which he handled the fall of the major banks and negotiated international agreements with fellow finance ministers. I, like many, relied on his wisdom, calmness in a crisis and his humour.”
Mr Brown also praised Mr Darling’s work campaigning against Scottish independence in 2014, as Chair of the Better Together campaign.
Before becoming an MP in 1987 Mr Darling served as a local councillor. In Parliament, he held the posts of Work and Pensions Secretary as well as Transport and Industry – under the Blair premiership – before becoming Chancellor.
In 2015 he became a peer before resigning from the House of Lords in 2020.
Sir Tony said Mr Darling was the “safest of safe hands” in government and “a rarity in politics”.
“I never met anyone who didn’t like him. He was highly capable, though modest, understated but never to be underestimated, always kind and dignified even under the intense pressure politics can generate.
“He was the safest of safe hands. I knew he could be given any position in the Cabinet and be depended upon. I liked him and respected him immensely as a colleague and as a friend.”
Former Conservative prime minister Sir John Major said Mr Darling’s death would be felt across the political spectrum.
“Alistair was a decent man, who brought civility, reason and intelligence to politics. He was an adornment to Parliament – both in government and in opposition – and a fine example for others to follow,” he said.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Darling had “lived a life devoted to public service” and said his death would cause “immeasurable” loss for those who knew him.
“He will be remembered as the Chancellor whose calm expertise and honesty helped to guide Britain through the tumult of the global financial crisis,” Sir Keir said.
“He was a lifelong advocate for Scotland and the Scottish people and his greatest professional pride came from representing his constituents in Edinburgh.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Alistair’s counsel and friendship. He was always at hand to provide advice built on his decades of experience – always with his trademark wry, good humour.”
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said Mr Darling was “one of the great Chancellors” who will “be remembered for doing the right thing for the country at a time of extraordinary turmoil”.
Labour’s shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would “miss his advice and counsel” but “more than anything I will miss his friendship, his kindness and decency, his humour and his warmth”.
She said he was “one of our great public servants who has left an enduring legacy on our country”.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf described Mr Darling as “a giant of Scottish politics”.
And Alex Salmond, former Scottish first minister and a central figure in the independence campaign, said Mr Darling was a “formidable opponent” but “an extremely courteous man”.
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Darling’s family said: “The death of Alistair Darling, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer and long-serving member of the Labour cabinet, was announced in Edinburgh today.
“Mr Darling, the much-loved husband of Margaret and beloved father of Calum and Anna, died after a short spell in Western General Hospital under the wonderful care of the cancer team.”
This is a breaking story.