Labour leader pays tribute to councillor

Published on 01/12/2012 00:00

Labour leader Johann Lamont has led the tributes to a long-serving councillor who died while on holiday abroad.

Tom Maginnis, a member of North Lanarkshire Council, is said to have died suddenly.

The 68-year-old, from Coatbridge, was reported to have died yesterday while on a family break in Tenerife.

Ms Lamont described Mr Maginnis, who had been a ­Labour councillor for almost 20 years, as “a well-liked and ­respected colleague who was totally committed to serving the people of Coatbridge”.

She added: “I was saddened to hear this tragic news and send my condolences to Tom’s wife Mary, his daughters and the rest of the family at this difficult time.

“The Labour Party in Scotland has lost a hard-working, committed councillor and I want to pay personal tribute to Tom’s huge contribution to our party over many years.”

Mr Maginnis represented the Coatbridge West area and was convener of regeneration and infrastructure services.

Elaine Smith, the Labour MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, said: “Tom Maginnis was not only a hard-working, committed councillor but he was also a personal friend and mentor. I’m shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden death.”