Political leaders on West Lothian Council have joined tributes to the life and work of the late Queen.
Labour’s Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who is the Leader of the council said: “Like everyone else in West Lothian, I was saddened to hear the news about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family.
“Whilst we all mourn her passing, it’s important we also celebrate her achievements and many years of selfless service for the countries and peoples she loved dearly. To become the country’s longest-serving Monarch and gain the respect and admiration of generations of world leaders shows the high-esteem in which She was held by everyone.
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“We were fortunate to welcome Her Majesty to West Lothian on numerous occasions and each time she captured the hearts and minds of everyone who spoke to her. I know many West Lothian people have been sharing their stories of the time they met the Queen since Her passing, and each tale speaks volumes of Her down-to-earth manner and devotion to Her people.
“It truly is the end of an era, and I would like to convey my best wishes to King Charles III on a long and happy reign.”
Councillor Damian Doran-Timson, Leader of the Conservative group, said: “It is an incredibly sad event with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Like many I found myself moved more than I would have imagined when I heard the news last Thursday. Queen Elizabeth II gave a life of service and devotion to the United Kingdom which is unparalleled, and on behalf of my Group I wish to publicly thank her for this incredible service.
“I have no doubt King Charles III will work tirelessly for all areas of the United Kingdom and I wish him well in his endeavours.”
Councillor Janet Campbell, Leader of the Scottish National Party group, said: “For over seven decades the Queen has been a constant presence in our lives. Indeed, for the vast majority of us she is the only Head of State we have ever known.
"Her passing is a moment of profound sadness and I share the sense of loss and sorrow which is being felt throughout West Lothian, across Scotland and beyond.
“At this time, it is right that we remember and pay tribute to her tireless work ethic and sense of public duty.
“I would like to extend my sympathy to the Royal Family who will, of course, feel the loss of the Queen most acutely. I hope the outpouring of sympathy and respect, from Scotland and across the world will be a source of comfort to them during this difficult time.”
Councillor Sally Pattle, Liberal Democrat member, added: "On behalf of the West Lothian Liberal Democrats, I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the sad news of her death.
"We will all miss Her Majesty, but there is much to celebrate in a life lived as well and long as the late Queen Elizabeth II. This is a time to come together and reflect on everything that Her Majesty did for our country: she was the embodiment of decency, dignity and a life dedicated to service.
"The death of Queen Elizabeth II is the end of an era. Constancy is a word that sums up perfectly Her Majesty’s reign and it’s how I will remember her."
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