After receiving his certificate in civil engineering,Russell undertook an apprenticeship in civil engineering and roadworks at Strathclyde Regional Council's roads department. He was later transferred to Glasgow City Council,where he served in different positions as a senior manager and roads engineer for over 40 years. At the time of his retirement,he served as the council's director of operational services,managing roads,transport,parks and waste services.[6][1][2] In the same period,Russell served as a director at Clyde Valley Developments Limited,a hotel operator which was liquidated in 2015,and Ptarmigan Estates,which was acquired as a shelf company from an Edinburgh-based corporate services provider.[7][1]
In April 2025,Russell became Scottish Labour's candidate for the 2025 Hamilton,Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.[9] Local Labour sources said that Russell was narrowly selected as their candidate for the election by just two votes ahead of Suzanne Macleod,a member of Labour's Scottish Executive Committee.[7] The outcome was attributed to former MSP Alasdair Morrison encouraging members at the final selection meeting to support Russell instead of himself.[7]
Russell avoided live broadcast interviews during the campaign and did not appear on BBC Radio Scotland, unlike other candidates.[2] He faced criticism for his low profile from his opponents and political commentators, particularly after skipping the STV by-election debate.[7][2] He was branded the "invisible man" by Reform UK candidate Ross Lambie in a video parodying his absence where he pretended to search for him to the soundtrack of "The Invisible Man" by Queen.[7][1] Russell said that he "would rather spend [his] time chapping doors" with Anas Sarwar stating that he was a victim of "elitism and classism".[1]
Personal life
Russell is a father and also has a grandson, Adam, to whom he dedicated his victory.[11][1] He is a member of Eddlewood Bowling Club and plays there regularly.[1][8] He is also a supporter of Rangers F.C. and a personal friend of former Rangers manager Barry Ferguson.[1][12]
Russell is a volunteer member of the board of trustees for Sense Scotland, a charity for disabled people, and has also been involved in managing a local hospice.[4][10][8]
Notes and references
1 2 Sources differ on Russell's age and there are no known sources for his date of birth. The Times reported that he was 67 years old as of 6 June 2025,[1] while BBC News and The Herald reported that he was 63.[2][3]
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