Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie has died at the age of 57, her partner has announced. Ms. McKelvie took medical leave from her role as the alcohol and drugs policy minister last year to seek treatment for secondary breast cancer. Keith Brown – SNP deputy leader and Ms. McKelvie’s long-time partner – announced the news in a statement on Thursday.
First Minister John Swinney said he was “devastated” at Ms. McKelvie’s death, describing the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP as “one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met in my life.” Mr. Brown said: “Christina’s sons Lewis and Jack and I are heartbroken to announce the death of Christina at Glasgow Royal Infirmary this morning.
“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. We are immensely proud of all Christina achieved.”
McKelvie was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 and had represented her constituency since 2011. During her time in office, she held significant roles, including that of equalities minister from 2008 to 2023 and later as minister for culture, Europe, and international development. Her most recent role was as the minister for drugs and alcohol policy, which she took on in February 2024.
Originally from Easterhouse in Glasgow, McKelvie began her career as a social worker before moving into politics. She was a dedicated member of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and a committed trade unionist with Unison. Her advocacy for social justice and equality was evident throughout her political career.
In a heartfelt tribute, First Minister John Swinney expressed his admiration for McKelvie, stating, “Christina was fiercely proud of her Easterhouse roots, and she often spoke of how injustices her family experienced in her childhood had inspired her to join the trade union movement and enter elected politics.” He continued, “In her almost two decades as a member of the Scottish Parliament, Christina put her values into action. Whether it was helping her constituents in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, serving as a highly-respected committee convener, or in the ministerial posts she held, Christina was always a fierce champion for equality, social justice, for Scottish independence and for a better world.”
McKelvie had previously undergone treatment for breast cancer, which ended successfully in 2021, but announced last summer that she required further treatment, leading her to take medical leave. Earlier this year, she revealed her intention not to seek reselection for the 2026 election.
Her partner, Keith Brown, noted McKelvie's passion for various issues, including advocating for people living with motor neurone disease and sponsoring the first Wear It Pink event at the Scottish Parliament in support of Breast Cancer Now. “She used every opportunity to encourage women to check themselves and go to screening appointments,” Brown said. “As a parliamentarian, she was proud of her work as convener of two committees – European and External Relations and then the Equalities Committee, which added Human Rights to its title and remit under her convenership.”
McKelvie was known for her innovative approach to social issues. She launched the world’s first strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness as a health issue, tackled the stigma surrounding menopause, and introduced legislation banning female genital mutilation (FGM). Her dedication to public service and her constituents was unwavering, as she worked tirelessly to support local groups and initiatives.
In the Scottish Parliament, flags were flown at half-mast in McKelvie’s honor, and a period of silence was observed to remember her contributions. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone remarked on McKelvie’s warm welcome when she first entered the Parliament, highlighting the impact she had on those around her.
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 acknowledged her as a “respected colleague and dedicated public servant,” while Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to her as a “fierce” politician and friend to many across the chamber.
Green co-leader Patrick Harvie praised McKelvie’s “compassion and kindness,” stating that she brightened the Parliament “in every sense.” The outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum reflects the profound impact McKelvie had on her colleagues and constituents alike.
As news of her passing spread, many expressed their sorrow and shared memories of McKelvie’s vibrant spirit and dedication to public service. Keith Brown said, “Today, we have lost our much-loved Christina and know she will be very much missed by all our family and also her many, many friends, staff, and constituents.”
McKelvie’s legacy as a champion for social justice, equality, and community engagement will undoubtedly be remembered by those she inspired and served throughout her career. Her commitment to advocating for the underprivileged and her unwavering spirit in the face of personal challenges made her a beloved figure in Scottish politics.
As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Christina McKelvie’s impact will be felt long after her passing. Her dedication to her constituents and her work in the Scottish Parliament will leave a lasting mark on the political landscape of Scotland.
