Christina McKelvie (born 4 March 1968) is a Scottish politician. A member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), she has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse since 2011, having previously represented the Central Scotland region from 2007 to 2011.
Christina McKelvie | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2023 | |
| Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy | |
| Assumed office 8 February 2024 | |
| First Minister | Humza Yousaf John Swinney |
| Preceded by | Elena Whitham |
| Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development | |
| In office 29 March 2023 – 8 February 2024 | |
| First Minister | Humza Yousaf |
| Preceded by | Neil Gray |
| Succeeded by | Kaukab Stewart |
| Minister for Equalities and Older People | |
| In office 28 June 2018 – 29 March 2023 | |
| First Minister | Nicola Sturgeon |
| Preceded by | Jeane Freeman |
| Succeeded by | Emma Roddick |
| Convener of the Equalities & Human Rights Committee | |
| In office 29 September 2016 – 28 June 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Margaret McCulloch |
| Succeeded by | Ruth Maguire |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse | |
| Assumed office 5 May 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Majority | 5,437 (12.6%) |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Central Scotland | |
| In office 3 May 2007 – 5 May 2011 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 March 1968 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Political party | Scottish National Party |
| Alma mater | University of St Andrews |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Social worker |
She served as Minister for Equalities and Older People from 2018 to 2023, before being promoted to Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development by Humza Yousaf. On 8 February 2024, as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of Michael Matheson as Health Secretary, she was appointed Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. [1]
Early life
editMcKelvie was born on 4 March 1968 in Glasgow.[2] She grew up in Easterhouse, in the East End of the city, and was educated at St Leonard's Secondary School. McKelvie then went on to gain qualifications from Anniesland College, Cardonald College, and the University of St Andrews.[2] She worked in the social work services department of Glasgow City Council as a learning and development officer.[3] She has been an active trade unionist with Unison.[3]
Political career
editIn 2007, McKelvie was selected as the SNP candidate for the Hamilton South constituency where she was unsuccessful, however she was elected through the regional list to represent the Central Scotland region. At the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, McKelvie contested the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat and was elected. She served as convener of the European and External Relations Committee from 14 June 2011 until 23 March 2016.[4]
In 2016, she was re-elected to the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency.[5][6] Within Parliament she became the Convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee.
In February 2021 she announced a short medical leave. Her ministerial role was covered by Shirley-Anne Somerville who would fill in as minister for equalities and older people.[7]
In 2023, she was appointed to the Yousaf government as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.[8]
In February 2024 she was appointed as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. [1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Neil Gray replaces Michael Matheson as Scottish health secretary". BBC News. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Current MSPs: Christina McKelvie: Personal information". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ a b "MSPs". STV News. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ "Previous MSPs: session 4: Christina McKelvie". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ Russell, Greg (6 May 2016). "McKelvie holds Hamilton for SNP". The National. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
- ^ "Scotland Election 2016: Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse: Scottish Parliament constituency". BBC News. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ "SNP's Christina McKelvie takes medical leave from ministerial role". BBC News. 25 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
- ^ Paton, Craig (29 March 2023). "Yousaf says SNP is 'united' as he appoints supporters to his first Cabinet". Evening Standard. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
External links
edit- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: Christina McKelvie
- personal website for Christina McKelvie MSP