SCOTLAND'S largest council has been plunged into shock with news one of its highest profile politicians has died suddenly.

Labour stalwart Alistair Watson was found dead in his Glasgow home this morning.

Mr Watson, who was in his 50s, had been one of the highest profile local politicians in the west of Scotland across the last two decades.

A sometimes controversial figure, Mr Watson had been chairman of transport quango SPT for a number of years, was the political head of land and environmental services and had most recently been Labour's chief whip on Glasgow City Council.

The popular Cardonald councillor continued to hold a senior position for Labour after they were voted out of power in May and had been nominated a senior figure on their executive team.

Today's full council meeting in Glasgow is now expected to be scaled back to essential business only.

READ MORE: ‘Rest in peace Big Al’: Tributes pour in for Labour’s Alistair Watson sudden death

Lord Provost Eva Bolander will allow time for friends and colleagues to pay their individual respects to 'big Al'. 

His death was confirmed by Glasgow City Council and comes just a day after it emerged another Labour veteran in the city had died.

Gerry Leonard passed away in hospital on Tuesday aged 65.

Council leader Susan Aitken tweeted: "The whole Council is devastated at the sudden death of our colleague Alistair Watson. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.

"Alistair was part of this place for over 20 years. It's hard to overstate the part he has played here and in the life of the city he loved."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale tweeted: "Very sad week for the Labour family losing not one but two giants of Glasgow Labour in Alistair Watson and Gerry Leonard."

Green Party councillor Martha Wardrop said: "Alistair was a long-standing stalwart of the Glasgow Labour movement, who passionately represented both his constituents and the trade union movement.

"This is a sad week for the council family, having lost another devoted public servant in Gerry Leonard.

"Gerry was committed to our city and warm and welcoming to everyone he met.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of both Alistair and Gerry."