The former Labour MP Tam Dalyell has died after a short illness at the age of 84, his family has announced.
The Eton-educated baronet spent more than 40 years as a Labour MP, representing West Lothian from 1962-1983 and Linlithgow from 1983-2005. A habit of being outspoken and, at times, critical of his own governments prevented him from reaching the frontbench.
The Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, paid tribute to “a real giant of Scottish politics”.
Very sad to hear of the death of former Labour MP, Tam Dalyell - a real giant of Scottish politics. My thoughts are with his family.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 26, 2017
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said Dalyell had been a “good friend and comrade”., adding: “Tam was a titan of parliamentary scrutiny, fearless in pursuit of the truth. From Iraq to the miners’ strike, he doggedly fought to expose official wrongdoing and cover-ups. The title of his autobiography summed Tam up to a T: The Importance of Being Awkward.
“But he was much more than that: Tam was an outstanding parliamentarian, a socialist and internationalist, and a champion of the underdog, here and abroad.”
Sad to hear of the death of my friend Tam Dalyell, a titan of parliamentary scrutiny, fearless in pursuit of truth. Thoughts with his family
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) January 26, 2017
Dalyell was first elected to parliament at the age of 30, under Harold Macmillan. He was later dogged in his pursuit of Margaret Thatcher over the sinking of the General Belgrano during the Falklands war, chasing her for months over the question of whether the vessel was heading away from the Falklands when it was attacked by a British submarine.
He was later similarly outspoken as a critic of the Iraq war. When he retired in 2005, he described Tony Blair as “by far the worst” of the eight prime ministers he had served under, although Blair paid tribute to his “legendary” persistence, adding: “He has made his mark on many of the most controversial political debates of modern times, sometimes at the very centre of the controversy himself.”
Dalyell is best known as the originator of the “West Lothian question” – the issue of whether Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs should have a parliamentary vote on issues that only affect England.
The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, said in a statement: “Tam was an old friend. We worked together in parliament and we corresponded after his retirement. He was a man of absolute principle determined to speak truth to power and hold government to democratic account. He was a fine socialist and a parliamentarian of the first order.”
The former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown said: “For four decades Tam Dalyell was one of the truly great characters of Scottish political life. He was a leader – widely respected and admired for his insight, his integrity and his eloquence. My thoughts are with his family.”
The Scottish Labour leader, Kezia Dugdale, said Dalyell had been a “champion” of the people of West Lothian and the Labour movement had “lost a giant”. She said: “Tam Dalyell was one of the most influential MPs, writers and thinkers of his generation … a man of peace and a man of principle, his legacy will live on in the Commons for decades to come.”
Neil Findlay, MSP for the Lothians, was among other politicians to pay tribute to Dalyell on Twitter.
Devastated my greatest friend in politics and my mentor Tam Dalyell has died - one of the finest parliamentarians of our time.
— Neil Findlay MSP (@NeilFindlay_MSP) January 26, 2017
Very sorry to learn about death of former Labour MP Tam Dalyell. A fantastic parliamentarian and gentleman. RIP. https://t.co/riL6hT5OWu
— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) January 26, 2017
So sorry to hear that Tam Dalyell has passed away. One of the true giants of Scottish Politics and originator of the West Lothian Question
— David Mundell (@DavidMundellDCT) January 26, 2017
Very sorry to hear of the death of Tam Dalyell. He was unique - thoughtful, gracious, dignified and utterly tenacious.
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) January 26, 2017
