Tributes as Labour’s Kelly dies
THE leader of Glasgow City Council has paid tribute to the “dignity” and “quiet diligence” of a Labour councillor following his death.
John Kelly, who was in his 50s, had been elected to the council in May 2012 as Labour saw off a challenge from the SNP to win a majority of seats on the authority.
The politician, who represented the Garscadden and Scotstounhill ward, also served as a local assistant secretary for the Communications Workers Union.
He died on Monday and is understood to have been suffering from motor neurone disease (MND).
Council leader Frank McAveety said: “There will be a deep sadness in the Labour movement in Scotland today, and for some long time to come, about the passing of John Kelly.
“John was only elected to Glasgow City Council in 2012 yet with his quiet diligence he made his mark, particularly in his contribution to the council’s adoption of its living-wage policy.
“All John’s life as a trade-union official was spent trying to improve the lot of his fellow workers and that of the less fortunate in general.
“John bore the standing and dig- nity of a man steadfast in his conviction that the world should be a better place. He will be missed. Sorely missed.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone in the Labour family are with the family and friends of John Kelly today.
“John spent his life trying to make his community, city and country a fairer place in which to live and work.
“He will be sorely missed by those who knew him well and those who benefited from his years of public service.”