Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :
Alex Salmond, Former Scottish Leader and Independence Figurehead, Passes Away at 69
Scotland is mourning the loss of a political titan as Alex Salmond, the former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and First Minister of Scotland, has passed away at the age of 69. Salmond, who led Scotland from 2007 to 2014, was a key figure in the independence movement and played a crucial role in bringing the SNP into the mainstream.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum for Salmond, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing him as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” and Conservative leader Rishi Sunak acknowledging his skill in debate and passion for politics.
Salmond’s political career was marked by highs and lows, with his combative nature and charisma making him one of the UK’s most shrewd politicians. He led the SNP to a historic victory in the 2011 election, securing an outright majority in Scotland’s devolved parliament and paving the way for a referendum on Scottish independence.
Although the “yes” campaign ultimately fell short in the 2014 referendum, Salmond’s legacy as a champion for Scottish independence remains strong. His resignation as SNP leader and subsequent return as an MP in Westminster marked the end of an era, but his impact on Scottish politics will be felt for years to come.
Despite the controversies that surrounded him in later years, including allegations of rape and sexual assault, Salmond’s contributions to Scottish politics and the independence movement cannot be denied. His passing leaves a void in the political landscape of Scotland, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Scotland’s Alex Salmond, former SNP leader and independence champion, dies at 69
When news broke that Scotland’s former leader Alex Salmond had passed away at the age of 69, it sent shockwaves across the country. The Scottish National Party (SNP), which he once led, confirmed the news, revealing that Salmond had taken ill after giving a speech in North Macedonia.
Who was Alex Salmond and what impact did he have on Scotland?
Salmond was a key figure in the independence movement and served as Scotland’s First Minister from 2007 to 2014. Under his leadership, the SNP gained mainstream recognition and became a dominant force in Scottish politics. He was known for his charismatic nature and sharp political acumen, which helped him transform the SNP into a powerhouse.
Tributes poured in from politicians across the spectrum, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing Salmond as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” who leaves behind a lasting legacy. Even his political rivals, such as Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, acknowledged his impact on Scottish politics.
What were the highs and lows of Alex Salmond’s political career?
Salmond’s political career was marked by highs and lows. One of his greatest achievements was leading the SNP to an outright majority in Scotland’s devolved parliament in 2011, breaking the dominance of traditional parties like Labour and the Conservatives. This victory gave him the leverage to push for a referendum on Scottish independence, a pivotal moment in UK politics.
However, despite his efforts, the “yes” campaign for independence fell short, with 55 percent of voters choosing to remain part of the UK. This defeat led to Salmond stepping down as leader of Scotland and passing the torch to Nicola Sturgeon, his former protege.
What controversies surrounded Alex Salmond?
Salmond’s career was not without controversies. In 2018, he resigned from the SNP after facing allegations of rape and sexual assault, which resulted in criminal charges. Despite being acquitted of all charges in 2020, the ordeal strained his relationship with Sturgeon and led to a public feud over how the allegations were handled.
Sturgeon, who had once been mentored by Salmond, expressed shock and sadness at his passing, acknowledging his significant role in her life and in Scotland’s journey towards independence. While Salmond later formed the Alba Party to continue the push for independence, it failed to replicate the success of the SNP.
In the end, Alex Salmond’s legacy will be remembered as that of a fierce advocate for Scottish independence and a key player in shaping the country’s political landscape. Despite the controversies that marred his later years, his contributions to Scottish politics cannot be denied.
Sources:
– Malay Mail