COUNCILLOR Kenny McLean has died, as tributes to the “funny” and “loyal” SNP man have poured in online.
The city’s SNP group confirmed that McLean died on Wednesday after battling with an illness which he “bore with his usual cheerfulness”.
McLean had been a member of the council since 2007 when he was elected in Partick West Ward.
He then began to represent the ward Partick East/Kelvindale in the 2017 council elections.
He also worked as city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm for Glasgow City Council.
In a statement online the Glasgow SNP group said McLean was a passionate supporter of independence and that he will be missed more than he will have ever known.
The statement read: “We are devastated to share the news that our dear friend & colleague Cllr Kenny McLean has died after an illness which he bore with his usual cheerfulness. Kenny was a Glasgow councillor since 2007 & a tireless campaigner for Scotland & social justice.
“Kenny was a passionate supporter of Scottish independence, community-led housing associations, his ward Partick, his constituents & St Mirren. He was no-nonsense, pragmatic, funny, kind & had absolute integrity. A friend to so many & he’ll be missed more than he’d ever have known.”
First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney also paid tribute to McLean as he said there are many within the party who loved him.
He said: “I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. Kenny McLean was a dear colleague and such a devoted advocate for the SNP and independence. I extend my condolences to his family and the many people in our party who loved him.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, also paid her respects to McLean as she said she is going to miss him “so much”.
She said: “Kenny McLean was funny, loyal thoughtful, stubborn, unpretentious and always completely and utterly himself, no matter the occasion.
“His strength of character, big heart and unquenchable belief in progress have been a pillar of our group. I’m going to miss him so much.”
