We are most saddened to hear that local MSP, Christina McKelvie has died at the age of 57. Her partner Keith Brown has confirmed the news.
The long-serving politician had been on medical leave since August.
She died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary this morning.
Flags at the Scottish Parliament will fly at half-mast today in tribute.
Keith, the depute leader of the SNP, said he and her sons Lewis and Jack are “heartbroken” by her loss, adding, “Christina was an MSP from 2007, serving her constituents in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, from 2011. She convened two committees before becoming a minister in 2018. She loved her job, and she loved her party and was always a champion for the people of Scotland and an advocate for social justice and for Scotland to be an independent nation in Europe.”
“To us, she was our beloved mum, partner and gran to Maeve and Leo. She was always hard working and enthusiastic and lit up every room she was in with her positivity and bright smile. She was always proud of her working class roots in Easterhouse and often said she could not have dreamt of becoming a government minister for the Scottish Government.”
First Minister John Swinney said McKelvie was “one of the kindest and most generous people” he had ever met. He said: “In all the years since I first met Christina, I have been so grateful to call her my friend and colleague and to benefit from her warmth and loyalty.”
As a constituency MSP, Christina worked hard to support her constituents and many local groups and absolutely loved every part of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
Our thoughts go out to Christina’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.
