First Minister John Swinney expressed deep sorrow over her passing, while Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone recalls the “warm welcome” from McKelvie when she entered the MSP role in 2011.
Tears flowed freely among MSPs in the Holyrood chamber as they commemorated Christina McKelvie, who passed away at the age of 57.
First Minister John Swinney spoke of the deep pain his “party feels” due to her departure, while Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone recalled the “warm welcome” McKelvie extended to her upon her election as an MSP in 2011.
An emotional Swinney stated, “Today marks a day of profound sorrow as we grapple with the departure of our beloved colleague Christina McKelvie, who was generous, kind, loyal, and brought joy to our lives.
“This loss is felt deeply across the parliament, and it particularly pains my party today,” he added.
“Christina was a dedicated parliamentarian, driven by a commitment to improve others’ lives, a cause to which she dedicated her energy wholeheartedly. I was honored to have her as part of my Government,” Swinney remarked.
“She served her constituents, her political party, and her country with unparalleled dedication. Today, I extend my deepest condolences to her partner – my deputy and one of my closest friends – and to her sons, Jack and Lewis, for their immense loss, and I am grateful for having known such an extraordinary person,” he expressed.
Several other lawmakers were also visibly affected by the news.
Among them were former first minister Humza Yousaf, social care minister Maree Todd, and equalities minister Kaukab Stewart.
Nicola Sturgeon, another former first minister who initially appointed McKelvie as a minister, paid homage to her “beautiful friend.”
Johnstone had the flags outside the Scottish Parliament lowered to half-mast in honor of McKelvie.
She called on all MSPs to gather in the Holyrood chamber before the First Minister’s Questions to honor McKelvie.
Additionally, Johnstone announced that a book of condolence would be opened on Thursday afternoon.
Previously, McKelvie had taken medical leave from her role as the minister for alcohol and drugs policy to undergo treatment for secondary breast cancer.
Keith Brown, SNP depute leader and McKelvie’s longtime partner, announced her passing in a statement on Thursday morning.
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