Christina McKelvie: John Swinney leads tributes to SNP minister

First Minister John Swinney has led emotional tributes to a “sort, loyal and fun-loving colleague” following the dying of Scottish authorities minister Christina McKelvie.

The medication and alcohol minister stepped again from her duties final summer time after saying she had secondary breast most cancers.

She died aged 57 on the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Thursday morning.

McKelvie’s companion and SNP depute chief Keith Brown described her as a beloved mother-of-two, companion and grandmother who “lit up each room she was in together with her positivity and vibrant smile”.

McKelvie had been MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse since Could 2011, having initially been elected as a Central Scotland consultant in 2007.

She recovered from breast most cancers in 2021 however was identified with secondary breast most cancers in June.

A interval of silence was held within the Holyrood chamber and the parliament’s flags had been flown at half mast.

Forward of a muted FMQs during which MSPs sobbed all through, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone opened tributes to a “pricey parliamentary colleague”.

First Minister John Swinney instructed MSPs: “Members throughout this parliament will really feel that loss, however my get together is aching on the information right this moment.

“Christina was a parliamentarian of the very best motivation and the best nature, I used to be proud that she was a member of my authorities, giving her all to make life higher for others, which was at all times her motivation.”

He added: “In the present day, I categorical to her companion – my deputy, considered one of my dearest associates – and to her sons Jack and Lewis, my profound sympathy at their loss and my gratitude for the good thing about having recognized such a powerful lady.”

McKelvie was equalities minister between 2008 to 2023. She then served as minister for tradition, Europe and worldwide improvement earlier than transferring to the medication and alcohol temporary from 2024.

Initially from Easterhouse in Glasgow, she was a social employee within the metropolis earlier than transferring into politics. She was additionally a long-standing member of the SNP and a commerce unionist with Unison.

In an announcement, Swinney mentioned McKelvie was “fiercely proud” of her roots and fuelled by the “injustices her household skilled in her childhood”.

Brown mentioned the household was “immensely pleased with all Christina achieved”. He cited her help for most cancers charities, folks with motor neurone illness and home abuse victims.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described McKelvie as “sort, loyal, compassionate and vigorous”, including: “She had the most important coronary heart of anybody I’ve ever recognized.”

Scottish Conservative chief Russell Findlay mentioned McKelvie was a “revered colleague and devoted public servant”.

Labour chief Anas Sarwar paid tribute to a “fierce” politician and pal to many throughout the chamber.

Inexperienced co-leader Patrick Harvie hailed McKelvie’s “compassion and kindness” and mentioned she brightened the parliament “in each sense”.