David Cairns served as a UK government minister until 2008 The former Scotland Office minister and Labour MP David Cairns has died after an illness, it has been confirmed.
The Inverclyde MP was taken into intensive care in March, suffering from acute pancreatitis.
The 44-year-old had been receiving specialist treatment at University College London Hospitals.
A Labour spokesman, said: “David’s untimely death is a huge loss to parliament and politics in this country.”
Confirming the news, a statement from the party, said: “It is with great regret that we have to announce that David Cairns, member of parliament for Inverclyde, passed away at 2300 last night at the Royal Free, London.
“David had been suffering from acute pancreatitis after he was admitted as an emergency patient eight weeks ago.
“Our thoughts are with his partner Dermot, his father John and his brother Billy and all his many friends and family.”
“His time as a minister was characterised by good humour, good judgement and good character”
Iain Gray Scottish Labour leader
Scottish Labour leader, Iain Gray, said of the one-time Catholic priest: “I worked closely with David and the Scotland Office and everyone who knows David will be devastated by this news, and at such a young age.
“He was a man of enormous dignity, courage and outstanding intellect.
“His time as a minister was characterised by good humour, good judgement and good character. He had so much more to give his party and his country.”
Mr Gray added: “He is a huge loss to Scottish and progressive politics – his shrewd political analysis never dulled his quick wit and sense of fun. His true calling in life was always to help others.”
Acute pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, is a treatable condition, but has been known to be life-threatening.
Mr Cairns served in the last UK government, but quit in 2008 after criticising Gordon Brown’s leadership.
His death means a by-election will be held in Inverclyde to choose a successor.
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