Christina McKelvie to stand down at next election

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has announced that she will not seek re-election in 2026.

McKelvie was first elected in 2007 to serve as the MSP for Central Scotland and held this position until 2011 when she was elected as the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

She also currently serves as the drugs and alcohol minister.  

On her decision to stand down McKelvie said: “It has been the honour of my life to have had the opportunity to represent the people of Central Scotland and the communities of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse over the past 18 years.”

She cited her recent cancer treatment in the reasoning for her decision, saying: “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.”

McKelvie completed treatment for breast cancer in 2021 but announced that she had been diagnosed and was receiving treatment for secondary breast cancer in 2024.

Following her diagnosis, she took medical leave to undergo treatment, with her ministerial duties covered by health secretary Neil Gray, and public health minister Jenni Minto.

Reacting to the news that McKelvie would not seek re-election, First Minister John Swinney took to X to thank her for her work and “wish her well with her heath.”

He said: “I am so sorry that Christina has decided not to seek re-election @ScotParl. I appreciate all she has contributed and wish her well with her health and in all that lies ahead.”

In her time as an MSP McKelvie also served as culture minister and equalities minister.

She added: “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.”