It has been the honour of my life to have had the opportunity to represent the people of Central Scotland and the communities of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse over the past 18 years.

I have always been aware of the immense responsibility and privilege of being able to support our communities to flourish and be a voice for a fairer and more just country with Scottish independence.

I am very proud of the work my teams and I have carried out to support and stand up for the people who live and work in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, In particular, campaigning with businesses and residents to ensure South Lanarkshire Council adopted the first Hamilton Town Centre regeneration plan; working with Hamilton Foodbank and Scottish Power to establish the Quick Credit voucher scheme to support those in fuel poverty; supporting amazing groups like Larkhall District Volunteer Group and Larkhall Our Town; ensuring Larkhall has a Leisure Centre it can be proud of; and defeating two attempts to force an incinerator at Dovesdale in Stonehouse.

Having been born into a working class family from Easterhouse I never dreamt I would one day represent people as an elected politician and to serve in the Government of our country. In parliament, I look proudly on my work representing my constituency, leading the debate on votes for 16 year olds and convening the Equalities and Human Rights Committee. And as a back bench MSP I was honoured to push forward legislation in areas such as Clare’s Law – allowing the disclosure of previous violent and abusive behaviour to be made to those at risk – and Human Trafficking. As a Minister I was able to lead on FGM protections and to focus on issues such as tackling the stigma surrounding menopause, launching the world’s first strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness as a health issue, and advocating for our place in Europe.

I still believe as strongly as ever that an independent Scotland as a member of the European family of nations will deliver the safest, fairest, most prosperous future for our country and people. And I will continue to campaign to win the support of the Scottish people for that vision.

The privilege of being an MSP allowed me to also use my platform to boost the work of others. For many years I sponsored the Wear It Pink event at the Scottish Parliament in support of Breast Cancer Now. I have now experienced the invaluable support provided by Breast Cancer Now, the Maggies Centre and other organisations first hand while going through my own treatment for breast cancer.

My current treatment has made me realise that whilst I would love to serve my constituents and the SNP for another five years, it is time to focus on my health and my family.
I am so immensely grateful to my family, staff team, SNP members and most of all to my constituents who have put their faith in me time and time again.

I will always campaign for the SNP and the cause of Scottish Independence and look forward to supporting the next SNP candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse who I have no doubt will carry on delivering for the people who live and work here.