Holyrood united in tribute to Tory MSP as he dies at just 55
A LONG-serving Tory MSP has died only weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Alex Johnstone, who served in the Scottish parliament since it was created in 1999, passed away at the age of 55 yesterday.
He only became aware of his illness six weeks ago, when doctors told him that cancer had spread throughout his body.
The North East Scotland MSP was regarded as one of the country’s friendliest and most humorous politicians, and was respected across party political boundaries.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson led the tributes, saying he ‘embodied politics at its best’, while Nicola Sturgeon described him as one of the most-liked parliamentarians.
Holyrood Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh informed MSPs of the death of the grandfather-of-six yesterday.
Miss Davidson said: ‘Alex’s passing is an enormous loss for the Scottish Conservative Party, for the Scottish parliament and for Scottish public life generally.
‘He was a big man with a big heart. He embodied politics at its best: trenchant in his views, always up for a political fight, but respected and admired by all sides of the political divide for his decency and generosity.
‘The North-East of Scotland could not have had a greater friend over the 17 years he served as their MSP. He was utterly devoted to championing the area.’
Mr Johnstone was diagnosed in late October. Doctors initially told him that he could have up to a year left, but his health quickly deteriorated and he did not expect to live beyond Christmas. It is understood that he decided against having treatment because his illness was already so advanced.
He had stopped attending parliament because of ill-health, although he surprised colleagues by appearing for First Minister’s Questions three weeks ago.
Mr Johnstone was one of the most senior members of Miss Davidson’s top team, covering infrastructure, housing and transport. In the previous parliament he sat on Holyrood’s welfare reform committee.
Born in Kincardineshire in 1961 and educated at Mackie Academy, Stonehaven, he built a successful career as a farmer. At the age of 38 he was elected as an MSP and served as first convener of the new parliament’s rural economy committee. He lived in the NorthEast for his entire life.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘I am very sad to learn of Alex Johnstone’s passing. Holyrood has lost one of its most well-known and wellliked parliamentarians, and he will be sorely missed. He was never afraid to stand up robustly for causes he believed in, but always did so with good humour and respect for his opponents.’
Mr Johnstone had two children with his wife of 36 years, Linda.
During his 17 years at Holyrood he campaigned against knife crime and he raised greater awareness of the dangers of carrying weapons.
Mr Johnstone was elected in May through the regional list, meaning there will not be a byelection to decide his successor.
Chartered accountant Bill Bowman, who is next on the list, is expected to be selected.
‘A big man with a big heart’