Sturgeon tells of heartbreak after death of her ‘mentor’

FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she is ‘utterly heartbroken’ following the death of a former MSP who she described as a ‘valuable mentor’.

Kay Ullrich was elected to Holyrood in 1999, and represented the West Scotland region before stepping down in 2003.

Serving on the SNP front bench during her stint in parliament, Miss Ullrich is credited with bringing a young Miss Sturgeon into the party.

The 16-year- old future First Minister approached the politician to ask if she could help her during the 1987 general election campaign in Cunninghame South. Miss Ullrich fought a number of elections before her eventual win in 1999.

Yesterday, the First Minister described Miss Ullrich, pictured, as a ‘valued mentor’. She said: ‘I am utterly heartbroken to hear the news of her death.

‘My thoughts and love are with her husband, Grady, her children, John and Shelly, and her beloved grandchildren.

‘ Kay was a huge influence on me and was absolutely instrumental in helping to shape my early career. A lifelong advocate of independence, it was through Kay that I first became involved with the SNP, and her role in helping me take my first steps into active politics is something I have never forgotten and will always treasure.’

She continued: ‘She was a valued mentor, role model and friend whose kind advice, insights and wisdom I learned so much from. She was someone I looked up to for many years, and whose passing now leaves a huge void in many people’s lives, my own included.’

Miss Ullrich served as an SNP health spokesman before becoming chief whip under John Swinney when he was SNP leader in the early 2000s.

Mr Swinney, now the Deputy First Minister, paid tribute to Miss Ullrich, 77, on Twitter, saying: ‘Kay was one of our vibrant heroes – a great friend and ally in good times and in tough times.’