Christina McKelvie dies at 57 after fierce battle with cancer
- Christina McKelvie passed away at the age of 57 after battling secondary breast cancer.
- She was an MSP since 2007 and held various ministerial roles throughout her career.
- Her death has resulted in widespread tributes, recognizing her as a compassionate and dedicated public servant.
In March 2025, Christina McKelvie, a Scottish government minister, passed away at the age of 57 due to complications from secondary breast cancer. Her partner confirmed the news, noting that she had taken medical leave in August 2024 for treatment. Christina had been serving as the minister for drugs and alcohol policy since February 2024. She had a long-standing political career, having been an MSP since 2007, with prior roles including minister for equalities and minister for culture, Europe, and international development. Christina was passionate about social justice and was a strong advocate for an independent Scotland. Her background in Easterhouse, where she faced childhood injustices, motivated her to enter politics and become involved in the trade union movement, working with Unison. She was known for her dedication to various social issues, including advocating for people living with motor neurone disease and leading campaigns supporting breast cancer awareness. Following her diagnosis, she actively encouraged women to participate in health screenings. First Minister John Swinney expressed his devastation over her loss, lauding her as one of the kindest individuals and a cherished colleague. Other parliamentary leaders also paid tribute, highlighting her generosity and dedication to public service, stating that she will be greatly missed in the Scottish Parliament. Christina's death marks a significant loss for her community and the Scottish National Party, as she was recognized for her unwavering commitment to helping others and her efforts to champion various causes during her time in office.