Scottish Government drugs and alcohol minister quits for health reasons

By The Press Association7th February 2024News ScotlandAddiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Government / Politics, News Scotland, Substance Misuse

The Scottish Government’s drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham has resigned for health reasons.

The SNP minister said that over the last year, she had “experienced a series of events leading to post-traumatic stress”.

She was appointed to her current role in Humza Yousaf’s Government in March last year.

The Government is due to make a statement on minimum unit pricing of alcohol on Thursday and this will instead be carried out by Health Secretary Michael Matheson.

In her resignation letter to the First Minister, Ms Whitham (pictured) said: “Over the last year I experienced a series of events leading to post-traumatic stress which has impacted my wellbeing greatly and for which I am receiving treatment.

“I have sought to undertake my role in your Government diligently and with the passion and focus that it requires.

“Sadly, after much soul searching, it is apparent to me that I must regrettably resign from my ministerial role so that I am able to look after my wellbeing and ensure my constituents of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley continue to be represented assiduously.”

In her resignation letter to the First Minister, Ms Whitham, who has previously worked for Women’s Aid, added: “It is imperative that we strive with all of our might to continue our efforts to save and improve lives as we have lost far too many of our folk to wholly preventable deaths.”

Serving as a minister has been an “honour”, she said.

Mr Yousaf responded, saying: “I am greatly saddened to hear that due to your personal ill-health you feel you cannot continue to give the role the focus that you would wish to.

“I wanted you to be aware of how greatly I have valued your efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths – not least the work to take forward proposals for reviewing drug laws.”