Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone dies

North-east MSP Alex Johnstone has died at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer.

The Conservative MSP had been a member of the Scottish Parliament since its inception in 1999, the longest-serving Tory MSP and the only one remaining of the party’s original cohort.

The former dairy and arable farmer was appointed the party’s spokesperson for housing, transport and infrastructure in Ruth Davidson’s shadow team.

He has also been serving on the Scottish Parliament’s corporate body and as the Scottish Conservatives chief whip and business manager.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson paid tribute to her colleague.

She 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.

“All our thoughts and prayers are now with Linda and their family.

“During his short illness, Alex was greatly touched by the many messages of goodwill he received from across the parliament.

“On behalf of the party, may I thank everybody who got in touch with Alex to pass on their thoughts. It meant a great deal to him."

Former Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands Mary Scanlon, a friend of Johnstone’s, said: “Alex was respected across the chamber and during his short illness he received letters and good wishes from all sides of the Parliament. He was very touched by that.

“He was a man who never abandoned his principles, nor his Doric accent. Political opponents admired him because you always knew where you stood with him.

“He was a great parliamentary performer. Alex never read out a speech. He would research it thoroughly and then stand up and give a speech, taking interventions, answering points, with just three of four points written on a scrap of paper.

“He was very touched to receive visits from friends and colleagues and to say his goodbyes in recent weeks.”

Johnstone is survived by his wife and two children.