MSP Ruth Maguire has revealed she will return to working for her constituents following successful treatment for stage three cervical cancer.
The SNP MSP for Cunninghame South took a medical leave of absence from public duties and frontline parliamentary work for the treatment and recovery with immediate effect in May.
At the time, the politician said that although her condition is serious, doctors believe it is treatable.
On Christmas Eve, Maguire announced she was looking forward to returning to work in the New Year and thanked those who had supported her.
She said: “I’m so grateful for the love and kindness shown to me this year. Your thoughts, prayers and good wishes were of huge comfort.
“I’m pleased to say my treatment was successful & I look forward to getting back to work for my constituents in the New Year. Thank you all, Merry Christmas.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was “the best Christmas news” and that she was looking forward to having her colleague back in Parliament.
Maguire was elected as MSP for Cunninghame South in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.
During the 2016 to 2021 term, she served as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee.
She revealed her diagnosis in a statement earlier this year, describing the “difficult news” she received on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
She said: “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.
“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 said that her parliamentary office in Irvine would continue to operate, with her team available to assist Cunninghame South constituents.
“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.”
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