MSP takes on 8,000th case
James Kelly marked his final days as MSP for Rutherglen by taking on his 8,000th case.
With parliament dissolving this week, Mr Kelly’s second term as an MSP will come to an end today, Wednesday.
He has been MSP in the area for nine years, and will be hoping to extend that when the election comes round on May 5.
The Labour representative spoke this week about his experience dealing with issues raised by local people.
His most recent case is a hospital transport issue affecting an older man in Halfway, whose hospital transport keeps being cancelled at short notice.
Gabriel Roy of Clyde Place relies on ambulances to take him to appointments as he uses a wheelchair and has recently had a foot amputated.
Mr Kelly said:“My first priority is always local people, and I am proud to have helped over 8,000 constituents since being elected in 2007. I have never taken my position for granted and have endeavoured to be as accessible as possible.
“Issues range from people asking for me to vote a certain way on a law, to very personal matters and complaints with public bodies. The most common are healthcare issues, housing problems and local cuts.
“Mr and Mrs Roy’s patient transport shows the impact that Scottish Government cuts are having on the services so many in this area rely on. Being able to take on constituents’cases has always been a true honour and the most rewarding part of being an MSP.”