Former Glasgow Labour MP Jimmy Wray dies 25 May 2013 Last updated at 15:54 The former Glasgow Labour MP Jimmy Wray has died at the age of 78. Mr Wray represented Glasgow Provan and Glasgow Baillieston for 18 years, stepping down in 2005 after a period of ill health. Before standing for parliament, he served as a councillor in the city of Glasgow and on Strathclyde Regional Council. Scottish Labour Leader Johann Lamont has paid tribute to Mr Wray, describing him as a "formidable man." Mr Wray was one of a family of nine and grew up in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. Ms Lamont said: "I remember Jimmy fondly for his personal kindness and generosity but most of all for his love of the Labour Party, which he served with distinction for a great many years. Even after he stepped down as an MP, he continued to support the party in any way he could. Jimmy was a formidable man, growing up in the Gorbals and known to be a good boxer. During his career in the House of Commons, he was described as a vocal advocate of the needs of his impoverished constituency who campaigned strongly on "quality of life" issues, fighting against the prevalence of drugs and knives in the community. Ms Lamont added: "He never forgot his roots and used his experience to fight hard for those who needed someone to speak up for them."