An SNP MSP is to stand back from public duties while she receives treatment for cancer.
Ruth Maguire, MSP for Cunninghame South, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer.
Maguire was given the diagnosis weeks before the Scottish parliamentary election in which she was returned for a second term as an MSP for the constituency with 50 per cent of the vote.
In a statement Maguire said she now wanted to share the information with voters.
She said: “On Tuesday 27th April 2021 I received the difficult news that I had been Having now had time to process what this means for me and talk things over with my family, I feel it is only right that I share this information with my constituents.”
The MSP added: “Although my condition is serious, doctors believe it is treatable. Therefore, with immediate effect, I will be taking a medical leave of absence from public duties and frontline parliamentary work for treatment and recovery.”
She added: “I am eternally grateful for the support and care of my loving family and friends and, of course, our NHS.
For now, I will concentrate on doing everything I can to get well and strong again and I thank everyone for their understanding. Being re-elected to serve my community is a privilege that I hold dearly every single day and I look forward to when I can resume my full duties.”
Maguire’s parliamentary office in Irvine will continue to operate to assist Cunninghame South constituents during her absence.
Holyrood Standards and procedures committee previously consulted MSPs on proxy voting but no firm policy in place.
