Scottish Government Mourns Death of Lord Jim Wallace
Summary
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Advocate General Baroness Catherine Smith KC issued statements mourning the death of Lord Jim Wallace, who served as Scotland's first Deputy First Minister and Advocate General for Scotland. Lord Wallace helped shape the foundations of Scotland's devolved Parliament and held numerous public offices across both UK and Scottish Parliaments.
What changed
The Secretary of State for Scotland and Advocate General for Scotland issued joint statements following the death of Lord Jim Wallace, who passed away on 30 January 2026. Lord Wallace served as Scotland's first Deputy First Minister, Advocate General for Scotland, and held numerous public offices including Moderator of the Church of Scotland and member of both the UK and Scottish Parliaments.
This is a ceremonial memorial statement with no regulatory implications. It does not create any compliance obligations, enforcement actions, or legal requirements for any parties. Government agencies and political organizations may wish to note Lord Wallace's contributions to devolution for historical and administrative purposes.
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Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Government response
Secretary of State for Scotland and Advocate General for Scotland respond to the passing of Lord Jim Wallace
Statements from the Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander and Advocate General for Scotland Baroness Catherine Smith of Cluny KC, following the passing of Lord Jim Wallace.
From: Scotland Office, Office of the Advocate General for Scotland, The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP and Baroness Smith of Cluny KC Published 30 January 2026
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Wallace.
Jim was the kind of politician that gives politics a good name. Decent, thoughtful and dutiful he embodied much that is best in our national life.
As Scotland’s first Deputy First Minister, he helped shape the very foundations of our devolved Parliament. His leadership during those early years set the tone for the institution we know today.
Throughout his career- serving as Advocate General for Scotland, leading the Scottish Liberal Democrats, or as Moderator of the Church of Scotland - he brought an unwavering commitment to service.
He was a man of faith and decency, respected across the political spectrum. My thoughts are with his wife and family.
The Advocate General for Scotland, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, said:I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Wallace. His is a story of lifelong public service, undertaken with dedication, decency and compassion, for which we should all be grateful. He served as the first Deputy First Minister of Scotland to three First Ministers, was acting First Minister of Scotland, and Advocate General. He also served in both chambers of the UK Parliament, and as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Orkney.
He performed all these roles with distinction, and earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across both parliaments and beyond. He played a vital part, through many roles, in delivering and securing the devolution settlement.
Only in December, I had the pleasure of welcoming Lord Wallace back to Dover House to deliver a fascinating lecture, sharing his insights and reflections on the Scottish and UK Parliaments, and the journey of devolution in Scotland. The event was hugely valued by the civil servants who attended.
I send my condolences and best wishes to Lord Wallace’s family at this difficult time.
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Published 30 January 2026
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