Figures from across the political and entertainment spectrums have moved to pay tribute to Labour giant Alastair Watson who has been found dead in his Glasgow home.
Just days after the death of councillor Gerry Leonard, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Very sad week for the Labour family losing not one but two giants of Glasgow Labour in Alistair Watson and Gerry Leonard.”
MSP for Glasgow Anas Sarwar added: “The Glasgow Labour family is heartbroken. Rest in peace Big Al.”
Very sad week for the Labour family losing not one but two giants of Glasgow Labour in Alistair Watson and Gerry Leonard.
— Kezia Dugdale (@kezdugdale) 29 June 2017
This just days after the loss of Gerry Leonard. The Glasgow Labour family is heartbroken. Rest in peace Big Al. https://t.co/lwYa4FAVoS
— AnasSarwar (@AnasSarwar) 29 June 2017
Mr Watson, 59, had been one of the highest-profile local politicians in the west of Scotland across the past two decades.
At times a controversial figure, Mr Watson had been chairman of transport quango SPT for a number of years, was the political head of land and environmental services, and had most recently been Labour’s chief whip on Glasgow City Council.
Mrs. Brown’s Boys star Gary Hollywood said simply: “Alistair Watson RIP.”
Alistair Watson RIP
— Gary Hollywood (@mrgaryhollywood) 29 June 2017
Today we mourn a comrade, and tireless champion for our community - Cllr Alistair Watson. Our thoughts are with the family he loved dearly.
— Pollok Labour (@PollokLabour) 29 June 2017
1. Devastating news to hear of the death of Councillor Alistair Watson.
— Chris Stephens MP (@ChrisStephens) 29 June 2017
I am very sorry to hear the sad passing of Cllr Alistair Watson this morning. My thoughts are with his family and his little granddaughter pic.twitter.com/icYop0t0zQ
— Cllr Alex Wilson (@Snp_Alex) 29 June 2017
Alistair was part of this place for over 20 years. It's hard to overstate the part he has played here and in the life of the city he loved
— Leader of GlasgowCC (@LeaderGCC) 29 June 2017
Our sympathies to the family & friends of Cllr Alistair Watson. A great Labour man who always put his community first. He will be missed
— EastRenfrewshire Lab (@EastRenLab) 29 June 2017
The popular Cardonald councillor continued to hold a senior position for Labour after they were voted out of power in May and had been nominated a senior figure on their executive team.
Today’s full council meeting in Glasgow is expected to be scaled back to essential business only.
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