MSP McKelvie who is undergoing cancer treatment to stand down next year

A Scottish minister undergoing treatment for cancer has announced she will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year.

Drug and alcohol minister Christina McKelvie, who represents Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, announced in August she would be taking medical leave due to treatment for secondary breast cancer.

McKelvie was first elected in 2007 on the Central Scotland regional list, before winning the constituency in 2011 and has held junior ministerial posts for equalities and culture, as well as her current role.

After her announcement she would take medical leave, the job was absorbed by health secretary Neil Gray and public health minister Jenni Minto.

McKelvie spoke of her pride of her work as an MSP and minister, highlighting her work on Clare’s Law – which allows people to find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence.

“The privilege of being an MSP allowed me to also use my platform to boost the work of others,” she said.

“For many years I sponsored the Wear It Pink event at the Scottish Parliament in support of Breast Cancer Now.

“I have now experienced the invaluable support provided by Breast Cancer Now, the Maggie’s Centre and other organisations first hand while going through my own treatment for breast cancer.

“My current treatment has made me realise that whilst I would love to serve my constituents and the SNP for another five years, it is time to focus on my health and my family.

“I am so immensely grateful to my family, staff team, SNP members and most of all to my constituents who have put their faith in me time and time again.

“I will always campaign for the SNP and the cause of Scottish independence and look forward to supporting the next SNP candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse who I have no doubt will carry on delivering for the people who live and work here.”