Tommy McAvoy: Keir Starmer leads tributes to former Rutherglen MP

Tommy McAvoy stood down as an MP at the 2010 general election

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to former MP Tommy McAvoy, who has died aged 80.

The ex-Labour party whip represented Rutherglen and Hamilton West from 2005 until he became a member of the House Lords in 2010.

He was previously MP for the former Glasgow Rutherglen constituency from 1987 to 2005.

Sir Keir said he was sorry to hear the news and his thoughts were with Baron McAvoy's wife, Eleanor, and his family.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: "His long and esteemed public service, for his hometown of Rutherglen, and his loyal contribution to the Labour government, are just two ways to remember a respected, warm and honourable man."

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he was "heartbroken" at the death of a man he regarded as a mentor.

The Glasgow MSP added: "Throughout my time in politics he was always there when you needed him - to give you some of his hard earned advice or to put an arm around you.

"As a champion for Rutherglen and an ever present voice in the last Labour government, his dedication to public service changed the lives of so many people.

"He could be fierce in standing up for what he thought was right, but to me he will always be Uncle Tommy."

Mr Sarwar said his thoughts were with Baron McAvoy's family and friends, as well as "the community he loved and the entire Labour family who will miss him deeply".

And Michael Shanks, who was elected as Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP last year, posted: "Incredibly sad news that Rutherglen's MP for 18 years, Tommy McAvoy has passed away.

"A legend of the Labour family as a shop steward at the Hoover Factory then serving 13 years in government as a whip.

"Throughout he was a champion for Rutherglen with a great sense of humour."