TRIBUTES have been paid to a true servant to Glasgow who represented the city and its people for nearly 20 years.

Bailie Gerry Leonard died peacefully on Tuesday at Glasgow Royal Infirmary surrounded by his family.

Described as one of the best servants to Glasgow and an influential family figure, the 65-year-old trade unionist was a councillor from 1999 until 2017 and served his city as the depute lord provost from 2012.

George Redmond, a former councillor, who served alongside Gerry said: “He was a very good friend and a great political partner.

“He would welcome royalty and presidents to the city but he would get as much pleasure, if not more, from meeting with people in the community he represented.

“If you are talking about servants to the people of Glasgow, Gerry was one of the best.”

Frank McAveety, the Labour group leader said: “Gerry was a wonderfully warm and funny man who cared deeply about Glasgow and its people. He served with great distinction as a trade unionist, in local government and as a member of his community. As a Labour family, we have lost one of our finest.

Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “When I began my Bailie duties two years ago he was friendly, welcoming and cheerful. His innate charm, wisdom and huge sense of fun immediately put people at ease. Gerry had a wicked sense of humour that was customarily delivered with a twinkle in his eye.”

Susan Aitken, the leader of the council said: “Gerry had a great warmth and sense of humour. He also demonstrated inimitable wit and charm in all his dealings with council colleagues, no matter their political allegiance.

Gerry was also the first chairman of City Building.

Dr Graham Paterson, Executive Director of City Building, said: “We were deeply sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of Gerry Leonard, who was the first ever chairman of City Building.

“Gerry was a strong supporter of City Building and our apprentice programme which is now the biggest of its kind in Scotland.

“This legacy is in no small part thanks to Gerry’s advocacy and his dedication to giving the city’s young people a chance.”

Craig Brackenridge, 42, Gerry’s nephew from Cumbernauld said: “He was very family oriented and was always the life and soul of every family gathering.

“He is one of the big influences in how we have all managed to keep close over the years.”

The grandfather of six leaves behind his wife Nancy and children Stephan, John-Paul, Christopher and Julie.