Former Chancellor Alistair Darling dies aged 70

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Alistair Darling, the Labour chancellor who steered the UK through the 2008 financial crisis, has died aged 70, a family spokesperson has said.

Following Labour's landslide 1997 election win, Lord Darling served in cabinet for 13 years under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

He also led the Better Together campaign in 2014's Scottish independence referendum.

The ex-Edinburgh MP died after a short spell in hospital, his family said.

A statement issued on behalf of his family called Lord Darling a "much-loved husband of Margaret and beloved father of Calum and Anna".

Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer said: "Alistair lived a life devoted to public service. He will be remembered as the chancellor whose calm expertise and honesty helped to guide Britain through the tumult of the global financial crisis.

"He was a lifelong advocate for Scotland and the Scottish people and his greatest professional pride came from representing his constituents in Edinburgh."I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Alistair's counsel and friendship. He was always at hand to provide advice built on his decades of experience - always with his trademark wry, good humour."