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Swinney leads tributes to SNP minister McKelvie

Angus Cochrane
BBC Scotland News
The drugs and alcohol minister stepped back from her role last summer after announcing she had secondary breast cancer

First Minister John Swinney has led emotional tributes to a "kind, loyal and fun-loving colleague" following the death of Scottish government minister Christina McKelvie.

The drugs and alcohol minister stepped back from her duties last summer after announcing she had secondary breast cancer.

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

McKelvie's partner and SNP depute leader Keith Brown described her as a beloved mother-of-two, partner and grandmother who "lit up every room she was in with her positivity and bright smile".

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

She recovered from breast cancer in 2021 but was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in June.

'Outstanding minister'

A period of silence was held in the Holyrood chamber and the parliament's flags were flown at half mast.

Ahead of a muted FMQs in which MSPs sobbed throughout, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone opened tributes to a "dear parliamentary colleague".

First Minister John Swinney told MSPs: "Members across this parliament will feel that loss, but my party is aching at the news today.

"Christina was a parliamentarian of the highest motivation and the finest nature, I was proud that she was a member of my government, giving her all to make life better for others, which was always her motivation."

He added: "Today, I express to her partner - my deputy, one of my dearest friends - and to her sons Jack and Lewis, my profound sympathy at their loss and my gratitude for the benefit of having known such a magnificent woman."

Getty Images A man with grey hair with a side parting photographed in the Scottish Parliament. He is wearing a white shirt under a dark suit jacket with a saltire badge attached, and is visible from the shoulders up. Getty Images
Depute SNP leader Keith Brown paid tribute to his partner Christina McKelvie

McKelvie was equalities minister between 2008 to 2023. She then served as minister for culture, Europe and international development before moving to the drugs and alcohol brief from 2024.

Originally from Easterhouse in Glasgow, she was a social worker in the city before moving into politics. She was also a long-standing member of the SNP and a trade unionist with Unison.

In a statement, Swinney said McKelvie was "fiercely proud" of her roots and fuelled by the "injustices her family experienced in her childhood".

Brown said the family was "immensely proud of all Christina achieved". He cited her support for cancer charities, people with motor neurone disease and domestic abuse victims.

Getty Images Nicola Sturgeon, a woman with light-coloured hair wearing a red suit, laughs in the Scottish Parliament chamber. She is standing. To her left Christina McKelvie, with blonde hair and glasses, laughs with a open mouth while seated. Getty Images
Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to her party colleague Christina McKelvie

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described McKelvie as "kind, loyal, compassionate and full of life", adding: "She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known."

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said McKelvie was a "respected colleague and dedicated public servant".

Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to a "fierce" politician and friend to many across the chamber.

Green co-leader Patrick Harvie hailed McKelvie's "compassion and kindness" and said she brightened the parliament "in every sense".