Alistair Darling dead at 70 – Labour MP who was chancellor during 2008 crisis and clashed with Gordon Brown passes away

FORMER Chancellor and Labour MP Alistair Darling has died aged 70 following a battle with cancer, his family announced today.

The veteran politician memorably led the Treasury during the financial crisis under PM Gordon Brown between 2007 and 2010.

Darling also led the Better Together campaign, which won the Scottish independence vote in 2014.

A statement issued on behalf of his family said: "The death of Alistair Darling, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer and long-serving member of the Labour cabinet, was announced in Edinburgh today.

"Mr Darling, the much-loved husband of Margaret and beloved father of Calum and Anna, died after a short spell in Western General Hospital under the wonderful care of the cancer team."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the news as he led tributes from across the divide today.

He added: "My heart goes out to his family, particularly Maggie, Calum and Anna, whom he loved so dearly."

PM Rishi Sunak said: "Alistair Darling's passing is a huge loss to us all. He was a dedicated public servant who served this country though challenging times.

"The role he played during the 2014 Independence referendum was vital in keeping our union together."

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: "I will miss his advice and his counsel. But, more than anything I will miss his friendship, his kindness and decency, his humour and his warmth."

Former SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Very sad to hear the news of Alistair Darling’s untimely death.

"Though we were on opposing sides of the independence referendum - with the inevitable clashes that involved - I always found him to be a man of intellect and principle."

Foreign Secretary and former PM Lord Cameron said: "Incredibly sad to hear that Alistair Darling has passed away. Alistair was a thoroughly kind and decent man.

"Despite us representing opposing parties, I always valued his immense contribution and enjoyed working with him too."

VETERAN MP

Darling joined the Labour Party when he was 23 but did not enter Parliament until ten years later when he beat Tory MP Sir Alexander Fletcher at the 1987 general election.

He had a key role in Tony Blair's government - starting out as chief secretary to the treasury in 1997 following Labour's landslide victory.

The MP also headed a number of departments, including work and pensions, transport and trade.

He became a household name in 2007 when he was appointed as chancellor to fellow Scot Gordon Brown's government.

Darling steered the country through the global banking crisis, and stayed in post until Brown lost the election in 2010.

He remained an MP until he stepped down in 2015.

Tributes flooded in today as Westminster remembered the much-liked politician.

Sir Keir added: "Alistair lived a life devoted to public service. He will be remembered as the Chancellor whose calm expertise and honesty helped to guide Britain through the tumult of the global financial crisis.

"He was a lifelong advocate for Scotland and the Scottish people and his greatest professional pride came from representing his constituents in Edinburgh.

"I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Alistair's counsel and friendship. He was always at hand to provide advice built on his decades of experience - always with his trademark wry, good humour.

"Alistair will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His loss to the Labour Party, his friends and his family is immeasurable."