Tributes paid as ‘Mr Dundee’ dies

A FORMER Dundee councillor who played mentor to politician George Galloway — and was once dubbed “Mr Dundee” — has died.

William McKelvey, known as Willie, passed away on Wednesday at University Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, at the age of 82.

The former RAF man was elected to Dundee District Council in 1974, serving as the secretary organiser for the Labour Party for a number of years.

He went on to become the MP for Kilmarnock, serving the area until his retirement in the 1990s.

His son, also William, today paid tribute to his “man of the people” father.

The retired engineer, who now lives in Whitfield, said: “He just faded away with old age but he had a great life — he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

“He was always a hard worker and did everything he could for his constituents.

“He would take on any case that was brought to him and do his best — he always did what he could for people.

“He was the life and soul of the party and he always had people in hysterics.”

Former Labour MP Mr Galloway, who shares a hometown with Willie, is the one who is said to have given Willie the title of “Mr Dundee” due to his work in the city.

In a tweet, Mr Galloway paid tribute to him, saying: “My friend comrade and teacher Willie McKelvey, shop steward, convener, Labour organiser, MP, fighter for the workers, died yesterday. RIP.”

Highlights from Willie’s political career include being chairman of the Scottish Select Committee and also being a key figure in John Prescott’s 1994 Labour leadership bid.

He retired from politics shortly before the General Election in 1997 due to ill health.

Willie had worked with NCR i n Dundee, rising through the ranks to become shop steward at the firm before entering the political world.

Former colleague and ex-Dundee East MP and MSP John McAllion said: “Willie was loved everywhere he went — he was loved by the whole Labour Party. When he became a member of parliament, he was popular on both sides of the house. He will be sorely missed.”

Willie is survived by his two children William, 60, and George, 58, and also his 80-year-old sister Audrey who now lives in Canada. His wife, Edith, died 15 years ago.

Willie’s funeral takes place tomorrow at 10am, in Dreghorn Crematorium, Kilmarnock.

All friends are welcome to attend and a eulogy will be delivered by his “great friend” Mr Galloway.

Willie McKelvey, pictured during his time as a councillor in Dundee. Above: George Galloway