A MEMBER of the ruling Labour administration on Glasgow City Council has died.

John Kelly, a councillor in the west of the city, passed away on Monday following a period of ill health.

READ MORE: Teenage thugs enjoyed jelly and ice cream during destructive rampage at Gowanbank Primary

Mr Kelly, who represented the Garscadden and Scotstounhill ward, is believed to have died from the advanced stages of Motor Neuron Disease.

A by-election is expected to be held in the ward in the early autumn.

Mr Kelly, who was also a prominent figure in the Communication Workers' Union, is the second member of the Labour administration to pass away during the current council term.

In 2013, leading councillor George Ryan died aged just 50. Mr Kelly is also understood to have been in his 50s.

Frank McAveety, the leader of the council, paid tribute to Mr Kelly, who he described as a man "steadfast in his conviction" and someone "of quiet diligence".

Mr McAveety said: "There will be a deep sadness in the Labour movement in Scotland today, and for some long time to come, about the passing of Cllr John Kelly.

READ MORE: Teenage thugs enjoyed jelly and ice cream during destructive rampage at Gowanbank Primary

"John was only elected to Glasgow City Council in 2012 yet with his quiet diligence he made his mark, particularly in his contribution to the council’s adoption of its living wage policy. All John’s life as a trade union official was spent trying to improve the lot of his fellow workers and that of the less fortunate in general.

"John bore the standing and dignity of a man steadfast in his conviction that the world should be a better place. He will be missed. Sorely missed."