Death of Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness

Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness, United Kingdom===Scotland's first Deputy First Minister and former leader of the United Kingdom===Scottish Liberal Democrats, has died at the age of 71 due to complications following a scheduled major surgical procedure at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His family, including his wife Rosie Wallace, confirmed his sudden passing. Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness was a highly respected figure across the political spectrum, known for his integrity, calm judgment, and deep belief in liberal values. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and early years of the Scottish Parliament, serving as Deputy First Minister under Donald Dewar and Henry McLeish, and acting as First Minister on three occasions. He also held ministerial portfolios for Justice and Enterprise and Lifelong Learning. Beyond politics, he served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 2021 to 2022 and was a life peer in the United Kingdom===House of Lords. Tributes poured in from current Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and others, highlighting his significant contributions to modern United Kingdom===Scotland and his enduring legacy.