A tribute to Alistair Darling
Alistair Darling, Labour chancellor who steered the UK through the 2008 financial crisis and 2014 independence campaign, passes away aged 70
The late Baron Darling of Roulanish passing aged 70 comes as much a surprise as shock to many. For those of us who knew him only as a political giant growing up under the New Labour era, we recall unflappable demeanour and deadpan sense of humour.
For those who knew him personally, the loss will leave a melancholy spirit.
He leaves a profoundly important legacy on the country he played a significant part in leading. Alistair Darling oversaw the nationalisation of large swathes of the UK banking system during the crisis. In doing so, as the clock ticked dangerously close to midnight, his leadership in the treasury and as Chancellor of the Exchequer secured stabilisation.
He later in 2014 went on to lead the cross-party “No” campaign in the Scottish independence referendum.
Throughout he emphasised that the debate was never about ‘could’ Scotland be independent, but rather ‘should’ we. Sometimes, he noted, for love of family and country it’s essential to say ‘no’. And Scotland did, with a decisive win larger than many had expected.
I have put together a short tribute video to one of Labour’s larger and more impressive figures.
My thoughts are with his friends, family and all who knew him at this sad time.
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