Former leader of Aberdeen City Council John Stewart dies aged 49

The former leader of Aberdeen City Council John Stewart has died at the age of 49.

His family said that he passed away on the morning of Saturday, March 19.

Mr Stewart was first elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Berryden in 2003.

Having been re-elected in 2007, he steered the council through a difficult time managing to balance budgets and was an early advocate of moving the council to Marischal College.

He was a passionate supporter of many sports and led on the transfer of the Councils Sports Facilities to a Trust, as well as the development of the Aberdeen Sports Village

Aberdeen councillor Iain Yuill said: “John was passionate about making a difference.

“He worked to make a real positive change and stand up for the communities and people he represented.”

Mr Stewart was born in Kilmarnock and went on to study Church History and Politics at Aberdeen University.

It was during his time at the university that he met his partner, Neil Fletcher, in 1992.

When civil partnerships became law in 2005, the couple became one of the first in Scotland have a ceremony.

They converted their civil partnership to a marriage in 2014.

After stepping down from the council in 2011, the pair moved to Manchester, where Mr Stewart most recently worked for the Residential Landlords Association.

Mr Stewart is survived by his husband Neil, and his brothers, Alex and Jie.

“John lived a full and good life. I am honoured that he chose me as his life partner,” said Mr Fletcher.

Mental wellbeing and social care minister Kevin Stewart, who was depute leader of the council from 2007, extended his sympathies to family and friends.

He said: “It is always very sad to see someone die so young and my thoughts go out to Neil and to John’s family and friends.”

Former chief executive of Aberdeen City Council Dame Sue Bruce DBE added: “I am saddened to hear of John’s death especially at such a young age.

“He was a thoughtful and considerate person to work with. My thoughts go out to Neil, their family and friends.”