Former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling Dead At 70

Former Chancellor Alistair Darling leaves the Treasury in central London, on his way to giving his pre-budget report. October 9 2007. (Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

Lord Alistair Darling, the Labour chancellor renowned for navigating the United Kingdom through the 2008 global financial crisis, died Thursday at the age of 70.

Darling, a prominent figure in national politics, played a crucial role in the aftermath of Labour’s substantial victory in the 1997 election. Over the course of 13 years, he served in various capacities within the cabinets of both former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his successor former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Notably, he spearheaded the Better Together campaign during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

The former MP for Edinburgh passed away following a brief hospitalisation, according to a statement released by his family.

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, paid tribute to Darling, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to public service. Starmer highlighted Darling’s pivotal role as chancellor during the global financial crisis, where his calm expertise and honesty steered the nation through tumultuous times.

“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,” Starmer said. “He was a lifelong advocate for Scotland and the Scottish people, and his greatest professional pride came from representing his constituents in Edinburgh.”

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