Flak for ‘missing’ Minister Mckelvie

Christina Mckelvie, the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP – and Minister for Older People and Equalities – came under fire for not taking part in the debate.

Ms Lennon said:“i congratulate Christina Mckelvie on her recent appointment as the Minister for Older People and Equalities. She will undoubtedly be under pressure to toe the party line, but I must ask what good a minister for older people is if she cannot even stand up for the older people in her own constituency.”

Neil Findlay MSP said: “I think that this is the first time – it is certainly the first time I have seen it in a members’business debate – that no minister for the relevant portfolio has come before Parliament to respond to a very serious debate.”

The Presiding Officer explained,“it is up to the Government to decide which ministers to put forward.”

However, Ms Mckelvie said she was prevented from taking part.

She said:“i have and continue to represent and meet constituents on this issue and have attended briefings and meetings with the council and I would encourage all MSPS to do the same.

“As is well known, as a Government Minister I am prevented from taking part in parliamentary business where I have a constituency interest – the debate was one of those occasions.”