Former chancellor Alistair Darling dies aged 70

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.

He served as an MP from 1987 to 2015 and a peer until 2020, when he retired from the House of Lords.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Darling had “lived a life devoted to public service”.

“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.

“Alistair will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His loss to the Labour Party, his friends and his family is immeasurable.”

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf described Mr Darling as “a giant of Scottish politics”.

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.”

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