Tributes paid to ‘warm and kind’ Edinburgh councillor Val Walker after sudden death

Val Walker, councillor for Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart, died ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’ at home leaving many in the city shocked and saddened.

Born in 1949, Val was elected as councillor for the ward in 2022 and also served as convener of the culture and communities committee. Flags will be lowered at the City Chambers as a mark of respect.

Following the sad news, Edinburgh council leader, Jane Meagher, said: "I was extremely sad to hear of Val’s sudden and unexpected death and my thoughts are with her family and friends.

Labour councillor Val Walker was elected in May 2022 | Edinburgh council

"It was a privilege to get to know Val, both as a friend and colleague. What struck me from the very beginning was her intelligence, her wit but, 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.

"Prior to becoming a councillor, her roles in education and library services over many years gave her a long-lasting passion for reading, something that she loved to share with others – helping them to discover the wonderful world of books and libraries.”

The council leader added Val was proud to serve as a ward councillor and she ‘campaigned tirelessly for the Labour Party’ working for ‘the rights of workers, women and single parents’ throughout her career.

Highly respected by Trade Unions, Val ‘brought determination’ to her role as the chair of the council’s joint consultative committee and her passion for the arts made her ‘the perfect choice’ to serve as convener for the culture and communities committee.

Jane Meagher said: “She was never happier than when she’d managed to find a way of reaching consensus with all parties and I know that she was trusted and admired by colleagues from across the chamber. Val is a great loss to the council, to her colleagues and to the city. We will miss her immensely.”

“Val's legacy will continue to inspire us all”

Dr Scott Arthur, Edinburgh South West MP, said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Cllr Val Walker, last weekend. Val was an exceptional Edinburgh South West Councillor, tirelessly advocating for the Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart community.

“She was a formidable women who understood the meaning of service. Her unwavering passion for libraries was truly inspiring. Val often spoke about their importance, and her dedication ensured that Edinburgh's libraries remained open despite numerous threats.

“As Convenor of the committee overseeing them, she played a pivotal role in safeguarding these vital community resources. In 2022, Val's relentless campaigning led to the reopening of Oxgangs Library after it had been used as a Covid test centre. Remarkably, she achieved this before even being elected.

“Val's legacy will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Val.”

Paying tribute to his friend and colleague, Stephen Jenkinson, Labour councillor for Pentland Hills said ‘her tireless work and deep commitment to her community will never be forgotten’.

Cllr Jenkinson said: “Her compassion, strength, and sense of justice made her a valued friend and a respected voice in the council. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Val.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar described Val Walker’s passing as ‘a loss to the whole Labour family’. He added: “My heartfelt condolences to Val’s family, friends and her colleagues in the Edinburgh Labour group.”

Respect across the Chamber

Councillor Jason Rust, chair of the Conservative Group of Councillors said: "As a group we are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Councillor Walker's passing. As council colleagues we worked across the political divide with Val and we will remember her commitment to duty and her dedication to her role as culture and communities convener. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."

Edinburgh Lib Dem group expressed they ‘are deeply saddened by this news’ adding councillor Walker cared passionately for her community, Edinburgh, and our city's culture. She will be greatly missed’.

SNP group leader Simita Kumar wrote: “Edinburgh SNP councillors and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cllr Val Walker. Our thoughts are with Val's family and friends, and the Labour group at this difficult time.”

Green councillor Kayleigh O'Neill said: “No matter your party or background, Val always made you feel welcome in the Chamber. She will be so so missed.”