CURRENT and former political party leaders from around the UK have shared tributes to Alex Salmond following the Alba leader's death.
Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014, before founding the Alba party.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Salmond as " a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics" who "leaves behind a lasting legacy."
Starmer said in a statement: "As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service. My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.”
Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney said he “took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country”.
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan shared a post on Twitter/X announcing his passing, and wrote: "Sad news. A fiercely proud Scotsman and gifted politician for more than 30 years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Salmond was “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.
In a statement, Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.
“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "Alex Salmond was a substantial figure who left an undeniable impact on Scottish politics. Our thoughts are with Moira Salmond tonight."
Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater said: "I am shocked to hear of the passing of Alex Salmond. My thoughts are with Moira and his family at this time."
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.
“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.
“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”
Former first minister Humza Yousaf shared a statement online, stating: "Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there's no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish and UK politics.
"As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today. My condolences to his family and friends."
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak said Salmond was a “huge figure in our politics”.
In a tribute posted on X, Sunak added: “While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”
Former prime minister David Cameron who worked with Salmond in agreeing a deal to hold a referendum in 2014 said, "he has been taken far too young;"
Cameron added: "We disagreed about many things, but there is no doubt that Alex Salmond was a giant of Scottish and British politics. Hugely passionate about the causes he championed, he was one of those rare politicians with both enormous charisma and genuine conviction, who always held the room.
"No matter your own point of view, you couldn’t help but stop and listen to his every word. He might have had his faults, but he was as sharp as a button with a strategic mind - I once said you had to count your fingers on the way out of a meeting with Alex!"
Former prime minister Boris Johnson said: "Alex Salmond was one of the great political disruptors of the age, the father of modern Scottish nationalism. He was charismatic, clever, caustic and fearsome in debate. I am glad that he never succeeded in breaking up the Union but very sad that he is gone."
Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross called him "a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years".
He said: "Alex Salmond made a huge impact in the North East and across the whole country. While we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years. My thoughts are with Moira and his family and friends at this difficult time."
