Michael Ancram, the previous deputy leader of the Tory Party and the 13th Marquess of Lothian, has passed away at the age of 79. Mr Ancram served in prominent roles under leaders Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard in the early 2000s.
During his political career which spanned over 50 years, he took on responsibilities as shadow foreign secretary and became a Lords member since 2010. His family announced that he passed away in hospital after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones, early Tuesday.
The new Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay expressed his condolences online: “I am sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Ancram who was a first-rate politician and a gentleman.”
He added, “The thoughts of all in the Scottish Conservatives are with his wife and family.”
His nephew Lord Donald Cameron, once a Scotland Office minister and MSP, paid tribute on social media: “Some very sad news tonight.”
Lord Cameron praised his uncle’s character and support saying, “Michael was a man of great warmth, humour and generosity. As an uncle, he was a huge support and inspiration to me.”
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He concluded his homage with a wish for peace, “We will all miss him very much. Eternal rest grant unto him.”
Jackson Carlaw, former interim leader of the Scottish Tories, lauded Mr Ancram as “a politician of charm, principle and duty,” while remarking on his distinguished service to the country.
Mr Ancram initially entered Parliament as MP for Berwickshire and East Lothian in 1974 but his tenure was cut short by a snap election loss just eight months later.
After defeating future Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown for the Edinburgh South constituency five years later, he made a return to Parliament. He then served as MP for Devizes from 1992 to 2010.
Upon retiring from the House of Commons, Mr Ancram joined the House of Lords in November 2010, courtesy of a life peerage, becoming Baron Kerr of Monteviot.
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