Tributes have been paid after Irvine’s former MP and ‘rock in the Labour family’ passed away.

David Lambie, who served as Irvine’s Labour MP for 22 years, passed away aged 94 on Sunday.

He was elected as Cunninghame South MP from 1970, later Central Ayrshire after the boundary changes, until his retirement in 1992.

Friends and colleagues have since paid tribute to the stalwart, following the sad news.

Provost Ian Clarkson said: “I am very saddened to hear of the passing of David, and my thoughts are with Netta and his family at this time.

“I visited David two weeks ago, and we talked over many local events, people, and even ventured into politics.

“There are many who have to thank him, including myself, for the help and assistance, and inspiration he gave, not only when he was a Member of Parliament, but when he retired.

“Indeed, I can remember his mother and father, both of whom were true socialists, who passed their views to their children.

“David will be remembered as an MP who carried out his political work without fear, and as a person who could be approached, no matter which colour your political party was.”

Friend and forerunner as MP Sir Brian Donohoe said: “He was a great man, he was well-respected and a rock in the Labour family. He was an immense character and a great friend and I’m grateful to him for all the support he gave when I was elected.

“He will be a sad loss to everyone he helped and my thoughts are with Netta and his family. He was a great colleague, a great friend and great family man. 

Kilwinning Labour Cllr Donald Reid said: “It has come as a surprise. He was a stalwart and he was a real gentlemen in everything he did, especially in how he dealt with his constituents. He was a politician who cared about the people.”

Former North Ayrshire and Arran MP Katy Clark said: “Very very sad to hear the news that David Lambie the former MP for Central Ayrshire and then Cunninghame South has died. Condolences to Netta and all the family.”

Married to Netta, his wife of 67 years, he had four daughters and a son with an extended family of 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

David was born in Seabank Street, Saltcoats, into a political family and attended Kyleshill Primary, Ardrossan Academy and graduated from Glasgow University.

David Lambie’s political activism began at the young age of 16 when he joined the Labour Party, and shot through its ranks eventually becoming party chairman from 1965 to 1966.

As MP he had a spell as chairman of the Scottish Select Committee on Scottish Affairs and also served on the Council of Europe.

The international Socialist and pacifist led a rebellion of 50 MPs against the Falkland war in 1982.

After his retirement the Saltcoats Vics fan became involved with Cunninghame Housing Association and was chairman for many years until he retired in 2013.