Former Scottish Labour MP Ernie Ross dies aged 79

Mr Ross, who was the MP for Dundee West from 1979 until 2005, died on Sunday.

STV News

17th Oct 2021

Former Labour MP Ernie Ross has died at the age of 79.

Mr Ross, who was the MP for Dundee West from 1979 until 2005, died on Sunday in the city.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute, saying Mr Ross was a “passionate voice against injustice, not just in Dundee but across the world”.

He added: “Whether campaigning to save the local dental hospital or for human rights abroad, he knew the importance of using the privilege afforded to him by politics to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves.

“Across the parliament and the Labour Party he was a trusted confidante, adviser and friend.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of the entire Scottish Labour family are with June, his beloved family and his many friends.”

Earlier today, Ernie Ross passed away peacefully in Dundee. He was Labour Member of Parliament for Dundee West from 1979 to 2005. He was a lovely man, utterly devoted to his family and a friend to many.
— Michael Marra MSP (@michaeljmarra) October 17, 2021

Michael Marra , shadow cabinet secretary for education and skills, said the former Dundee MP was “utterly devoted to his family”.

He wrote on Twitter: “He and June were such good friends to my wife and I and to so many in the party. Always full of encouragement and advice. A very good man who I loved dearly and who I will always miss. RIP.”