Tributes paid after Edinburgh Labour councillor Val Walker dies 'suddenly and unexpectedly'

Tributes have been paid to a Labour councillor who died “suddenly and unexpectedly” on Thursday.

Val Walker was elected to represent the Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart area of Edinburgh in 2022.

The 76-year-old also served as the city’s Culture and Communities Committee convener.

Edinburgh council leader Jane Meagher said she was “extremely sad to hear of Val’s sudden and unexpected death”.

“It was a privilege to get to know Val, both as a friend and colleague,” Meagher said, praising Walker’s “intelligence, wit, and most of all her warmth and kindness”.

“Even in the heat of political debate she would always remain calm, constructive and respectful of other people’s views,” Meagher said.

Prior to becoming a councillor, Walker worked in education and library services and had a “long-lasting passion” for reading.

Meagher said she “campaigned tirelessly” for both the Labour Party and for the rights of workers, women and single parents.

“She spent thousands of hours knocking on doors and speaking to local residents – and I know that being elected as councillor for Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart in 2022 filled her with huge pride, something that stayed with her throughout,” Meagher added.

Labour MP for Edinburgh South West Dr Scott Arthur also paid tribute to Walker.

“Val was an exceptional Edinburgh South West Councillor, tirelessly advocating for the Fountainbridge / Craiglockhart community,” he said on X.

“She was a formidable women who understood the meaning of service.”

He called her “unwavering passion” for libraries truly inspiring.

Arthur said Walker remained dedicated to ensuring Edinburgh’s libraries remained open “despite numerous threats” over the years.

In 2022, he said Walker’s “relentless campaigning” led to the reopening of Oxgangs Library after it had been used as a Covid test centre.

Labour MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Chris Murray said she was a “wonderful human being, filled with empathy, curiosity and pure lust for life”.

Edinburgh Tory councillor Neil Cuthbert (Colinton and Fairmilehead) posted on X: “Val was gracious and kind, and her passion for Edinburgh and enthusiasm for her job was clearly evident. A respected voice across the chamber who will be greatly missed. Thoughts with family, friends and Labour colleagues at this time.”

Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) said Walker leaves behind “a legacy of public service and community spirit”.

Flags will be lowered at Edinburgh City Chambers as a mark of respect.