Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness, was a towering figure in Scottish and British politics whose leadership helped shape the modern political landscape of Scotland. From serving as Scotland’s first Deputy First Minister to his extensive parliamentary career in both Westminster and Holyrood, Wallace’s legacy was defined by his commitment to public service, liberal values, and constitutional reform. His sudden death in January 2026 at the age of 71 prompted tributes across the political spectrum, with many recognising his role as a driving force behind Scottish devolution and his decades of dedication to public life.
James Robert Wallace was born on 25 August 1954 in Annan, Dumfriesshire, in south‑west Scotland. He was educated at Annan Academy and went on to study a joint degree in economics and law at Downing College, Cambridge. He later completed a law degree at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1977 and being called to the bar in Scotland, where he practised mainly in civil law and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997.
This strong academic foundation in law and economics provided the framework for Wallace’s later work in constitutional reform and legislative leadership. His legal background also informed his approach to political negotiation and policy development throughout his extensive career.
Wallace’s political journey began in earnest in 1983 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Orkney and Shetland, succeeding the notable Liberal leader Jo Grimond. He represented the constituency for 18 years, becoming known for his diligent work on behalf of his constituents and his deep understanding of Scottish affairs.
During his time at Westminster, Wallace held various party responsibilities, including Chief Whip of the Liberal Democrats. In 1992, he became leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, steering the party through crucial debates around constitutional reform and the push for a Scottish Parliament.
One of Wallace’s most enduring legacies was his role in the movement for Scottish devolution. He was a member of the Scottish Constitutional Convention, a cross‑party and civic group that laid the blueprint for a devolved Scottish Parliament. This groundwork directly contributed to the 1997 referendum in which Scotland voted in favour of establishing its own legislative body.
Following the successful referendum, Wallace led the Scottish Liberal Democrats into the first election for the newly established Scottish Parliament in 1999, winning the seat of Orkney as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). In the resulting coalition government with Labour, he was appointed Deputy First Minister of Scotland, a role he held from 1999 until 2005.
As Deputy First Minister, Wallace worked alongside three First Ministers — Donald Dewar, Henry McLeish and later Jack McConnell — helping guide the early years of devolution and the practical establishment of Scotland’s devolved institutions. His leadership involved significant responsibilities, including justice, enterprise and lifelong learning portfolios.
On three occasions, Wallace served as acting First Minister — during Donald Dewar’s heart surgery in 2000, following Dewar’s death later that year, and after the resignation of Henry McLeish in 2001 — underscoring the depth of trust placed in his judgement and leadership.
Wallace’s contribution extended beyond executive roles. His tenure saw the establishment of a world‑leading freedom of information regime in Scotland, providing citizens with greater transparency and accountability in government. He also worked on legislation that promoted fairness, legal reform, and enhanced local governance.
His advocacy for constitutional stability and cross‑party cooperation made him a respected voice not only within his own party but among opponents, enhancing the credibility of the Scottish Parliament in its formative years.
After stepping down from the Scottish Parliament in 2007, Wallace was created a life peer as Baron Wallace of Tankerness, taking his place in the House of Lords. There, he continued to contribute on constitutional, legal and Scottish affairs, bringing his deep experience to debates on devolution, governance and human rights.
From 2010 to 2015, he served as Advocate General for Scotland in the UK Government, advising on Scottish law and further bridging the complexities between Scotland’s legal system and UK governance.
Wallace also served as Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords from 2013 to 2016 and remained active in public life through charitable work and institutional roles.
In addition to political office, Wallace’s influence extended into community and religious life. From 2021 to 2022, he served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a prestigious role that reflects his commitment to community service and faith‑based leadership.
His engagement in local community activities, including singing in the Dunblane Cathedral choir and remaining involved in Orkney affairs, illustrated his personal devotion to both faith and community beyond political life.
On 29 January 2026, Jim Wallace died at the age of 71 following complications from a planned major operation at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His unexpected passing shocked colleagues, politicians and communities across Scotland and the UK.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with many describing him as “an architect of modern Scotland,” “a champion of devolution,” and “a politician of unwavering integrity and compassion.” First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole‑Hamilton were among those who highlighted Wallace’s pivotal role in shaping the Scottish Parliament and his lifelong dedication to public service.
Jim Wallace’s legacy is marked by his instrumental role in establishing and nurturing devolved governance in Scotland, his leadership within the Liberal Democrats and his steadfast service across multiple political arenas. He helped build institutions that continue to influence Scottish political life and reinforced values of cooperation, constitutional respect and public accountability.
His influence persists in contemporary political discourse around devolution, law, public transparency and cross‑party dialogue. Scotland’s devolved institutions owe much of their early success to his dedication and strategic guidance.
