SNP MP Amy Callaghan has made a return to frontline politics with her first appearance in the Commons since she suffered a stroke last year.
The 28-year-old East Dunbartonshire MP endured two emergency brain surgeries and had to learn to walk again after she collapsed alone at home in June when a brain haemorrhage left her in agony and paralysed on one side.
Callaghan spent four months in hospital and has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation following two life-saving surgeries.
On Monday afternoon she was welcomed back to Westminster by the Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle when she made her first contribution during Education Questions.
As Callaghan appeared on screen for her virtual question the Speaker said: “Can I say how pleased I am to see Amy. Welcome back, it really is good to see you.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also wished the SNP MP “the very best” and her appearance prompted a number of online congratulations from colleagues.
Callaghan sent a “heartfelt thank you to everyone who wished me well during my recent illness”.
She is also pencilled in the draw to tackle Boris Johnson at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
Afterwards she said: “I’m delighted for my more visible return to Parliament this week after some months working away behind the scenes.
“Taking part in Parliamentary business is just one small part of the job, but I am delighted to speak up on behalf of my constituents in East Dunbartonshire.
Callaghan added: "“Being elected the MP for East Dunbartonshire is the privilege of a lifetime. Myself and my team will continue our work on behalf of the people who put their trust in me - to protect jobs and household incomes from the damage of Tory austerity, to mitigate the worst of Boris Johnson’s bad Brexit deal and to speak up for Scotland in the House of Commons.”
