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First Minister’s tribute to long-serving political editor

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has paid tribute to a long-serving regional political journalist who has retired after more than four decades at Westminster.

David Perry, who first joined the lobby team of the then Thomson Regional Newspapers in 1970, has bowed out as political editor of the Press and Journal.

The 66-year-old began his career at the Staffordshire Advertiser but soon moved to the Willesden Mercury in London where he was news editor.

He went on to hold the same position at the Loughton Independent and Chigwell Times before becoming education correspondent for the Edinburgh Evening News.

After 18 months, he was appointed as the evening paper’s London correspondent, and in 1970 entered the Commons as a gallery reporter for TRN.

David reported for various regional newspaper titles including the Press & Journal until the breakup of TRN in 1995, when he moved to the P&J full-time.

Speaking at his retirement party, Mr Salmond told him:  “You have explained and interpreted and the great events of the day for your loyal readers in the north of Scotland with utter professionalism and in exemplary fashion, and for that we are truly grateful.

“Throughout my career in Westminster – and beyond – I have come to regard you as a true gentleman of journalism and a superb correspondent for the Press and Journal.

“You have become an institution of parliament. I know you will be missed enormously across parliament and throughout the north of Scotland by Press and Journal readers.”

Calum Ross has moved from the P&J’s Aberdeen head office to takeover Perry’s Westminster role.