David McLetchie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David McLetchie
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Official portrait, 2011
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| Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in the Scottish Parliament | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 6 May 1999 – 31 October 2005 |
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| UK party leader | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Office established | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Annabel Goldie | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Scottish Conservative portfolios | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007–2011 | Chief Whip of the Scottish Conservative Party | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2013 | Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Born |
David William McLetchie
6 August 1952 Edinburgh, Scotland |
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| Died | 12 August 2013 (aged 61) Edinburgh, Scotland |
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| Political party | Scottish Conservatives | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | Sheila | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | 1 child, 2 stepchildren | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh | ||||||||||||||||||||
David William McLetchie (6 August 1952 – 12 August 2013) was an important Scottish politician. He was the leader of the Scottish Conservatives political party from 1999 to 2005. He also served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for different areas in Scotland.
Contents
Who Was David McLetchie?
David McLetchie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He became a lawyer before entering politics. He was known for his work in the Scottish Parliament, which is like the Scottish government's main meeting place.
Early Life and Education
David McLetchie grew up in Edinburgh. He went to Leith Academy and George Heriot's School. After school, he studied law at the University of Edinburgh. He graduated in 1974.
He then worked as a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. He helped people with taxes and planning for the future. In 1979, he tried to become a Member of Parliament for the UK, but he didn't win that election.
Becoming an MSP
David McLetchie became a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) when the Scottish Parliament was created in 1999. MSPs are elected to represent people in different parts of Scotland.
Leading the Scottish Conservatives
In 1999, David McLetchie was chosen to be the leader of the Scottish Conservatives party. This was a big role, as he led his party in the new Scottish Parliament. He was the first leader of the Scottish Conservatives in the Scottish Parliament.
He served as leader until 2005. During this time, he worked on many issues important to Scotland.
Stepping Down as Leader
In 2005, David McLetchie decided to step down as the party leader. This happened after some questions were raised about how he used money for travel. It was found that he had used public money for taxi trips that were for party business, not for his work as an MSP. The rules said public money should only be used for his work as an MSP.
After this, Annabel Goldie became the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
Working as a Backbencher
Even after stepping down as leader, David McLetchie continued to be an MSP. He was elected for the Lothian region in 1999 and for the Edinburgh Pentlands area in 2003.
As a "backbencher," he didn't lead the party, but he still worked hard for his constituents. He focused on important issues like free personal care for older people and road pricing.
In 2007, he was re-elected for Edinburgh Pentlands. He even became the party's Chief Whip, which is a role that helps make sure all party members vote together. He lost his seat in 2011 but was still elected as a "list" MSP for the Lothian region, meaning he represented a wider area.
Personal Life
David McLetchie was given a special award called the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013. This award is given to people who have made a big difference in their field.
He passed away on 12 August 2013, at the age of 61, after battling cancer.
