Former Glasgow Labour leader and councillor Malcolm Cunning has died.
The 65-year-old had been appointed as the city’s bailie after being re-elected May.
The news of his death was announced by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on Sunday.
Cunning represented Labour for Linn Ward on Glasgow City Council and had been a councillor for almost 20 years having first been elected in 2003.
“Sad to share the news that Malcolm Cunning has died,” Sarwar wrote on Twitter.
“He took me on some of my first trips campaigning as a teen and I remember so clearly his passion to build a better world.
“He loved Glasgow and he loved our party.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
In a statement, Glasgow’s Labour group said Mr Cunning was a “kind and decent man” who will be “sorely missed”.
They wrote: “Glasgow Labour Group are hugely shocked and saddened at the death of Malcom Cunning this morning, after a short time in hospital.
“Malcolm, who had been the group leader from 2019 until early this year, was a valued comrade and friend.
“He first served in Glasgow City Council from 2003-2007, then returned in 2012, being recently re-elected for a third term in May this year.
“Malcolm was a kind and decent man, with a passion for his family, history and education.
“He will be sorely missed.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her condolences.
“Very sad to hear this news. I first knew Malcolm when he was councillor for the Old Strathbungo ward in my constituency,” she said.
“He was a man deeply committed to his party but always courteous on the campaign trail.
“My condolences to his family and Labour colleagues.”
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken described the councillor as a “sincere and intelligent man”.
She said: “Terribly sad to learn of the death of Baillie Malcolm Cunning.
“A thoughtful, sincere and intelligent man, his political experience will be much missed in the City Chambers.
“My deep condolences to Malcom’s family especially his son Morgan, of who he was very proud.”
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