Michael Moore and Willie Rennie have both paid tribute to the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, David McLetchie, who died yesterday at the age of 61.
I never met him, but I know that he had a reputation as a generally easy-going, decent bloke, kind and very funny. Mandy Rhodes of Holyrood magazine has written a very personal and moving appreciation here.
In tribute, Willie Rennie said:
A towering figure if this new Scottish parliamentary age, David will forever be regarded as a public servant who made a difference. Whether as party leader or foot soldier he commanded immediate respect and trust from friend and foe alike. I will miss his humour and intelligence.
Mike Moore said:
David McLetchie will be sorely missed by those across and outwith the political spectrum.He was an articulate, clever and engaging man, with a passion for debate and a positive future for Scotland within the United Kingdom.My thoughts are with his wife and family.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social
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One Comment
It’s been nice to read the many warm and genuine tributes paid to David McLetchie from across all parties.
He came across as an intelligent and thoughtful man probably not cut out for the vicious cut and thrust of modern day politics. That speaks well of him, but is damning of what we currently accept as political life.
I have an amusing family connection with him. During his troubles with his expenses and, in particular, the amounts claimed on taxis my son was doing his week’s work experience at STV and shadowed Bernard Ponsonby for the week.
This was at the height of the controversy and for one of the evening broadcast’s Martin or, more precisely, Martin’s feet were filmed getting into a taxi to provide footage to be used. We recorded it and watched it over and over 😉