Christina McKelvie, a Scottish Government Minister, passed away at the age of 57 after battling an illness.
cancer
, his family announced today.
The
SNP
The MSP serving Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse has stepped away from her position.
alcohol
and the health minister last year to undergo treatment for secondary breast cancer.
She passed away early this morning.
Glasgow
The Royal Infirmary was where she passed away, leaving behind her longtime companion, SNP deputy leader Keith Brown, along with two children and two grandchildren.
First Minister
John Swinney
mentioned he felt ‘utterly destroyed’ over Ms McKelvie’s passing, referring to the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse MSP as ‘among the kindest and most giving individuals I’ve ever encountered in my lifetime.’
Raised in Glasgow’s impoverished Easterhouse district, Ms McKelvie was chosen as a Central Scotland regional MSP in 2007 prior to winning her constituency seat in 2011.
In 2018, she was appointed as the Minister for Equalities and Older People.
Nicola Sturgeon
, prior to being reassigned to Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development under Humza Yousaf in 2023.
In June 2024, she disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Last month, she stated her plan to step down from her role as an MSP to concentrate on her cancer treatments.
Mr Brown stated in an announcement made through the SNP, “I am deeply saddened to inform you all about the passing of Christina at Glasgow Royal Infirmary earlier today. Her sons, Lewis and Jack, along with me, are utterly devastated.”
She adored her work, and she had a passion for her political gatherings. She consistently fought for the Scottish people and advocated for social equity as well as forScotland’s independence within Europe.
To us, she was our dear mother, spouse, and grandmother to Maeve and Leo. She was consistently diligent and energetic, filling every space with joy through her optimistic demeanor and radiant grin.
She took great pride in her origins from Easterhouse’s working-class background and frequently mentioned that she never imagined herself serving as a government minister within the Scottish Government.
‘We take great pride in everything Christina accomplished.’
This is an evolving story: stay tuned for updates.
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