LONDON— Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who fought for Scotland’s independence from the United Kingdom for many years, passed away. He was 69 years old.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar announced Salmond’s passing on Saturday, describing him as a “central figure in politics for over three decades.”
With 45% of the vote, Salmond, who was the leader of the Scottish National Party at the time, spearheaded the campaign for independence in the 2014 referendum but failed.
Following accusations of sexual harassment, Salmond left the SNP in 2018. Later, he founded a brand-new party named Alba.
In addition to being Scotland’s first minister from 2007 to 2014, Salmond led the Scottish National Party twice, from 2004 to 2014 and from 1990 to 2000.
Salmond is a “huge figure in our politics,” according to former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom.
“While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics,” Sunak stated on X. “I hope he finds peace.”