Rhona Brankin (born 19 January 1950) is a former Scottish Labour-Co-operative politician who served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Midlothian constituency. She was first elected in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. She was one of six female Labour MSPs to stand down in 2011.
Rhona Brankin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Midlothian | |
| In office 6 May 1999 – 22 March 2011 | |
| Preceded by | new constituency |
| Succeeded by | constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 January 1950 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Political party | Labour Co-operative |
| Alma mater | University of Aberdeen |
Background
editBrankin is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen and before entering the Scottish Parliament she was a teacher and a lecturer on special educational needs. She was former Chair of the Scottish Labour Party.[1] She is married with two grown-up daughters.[2]
In early 2000, Brankin was diagnosed with breast cancer.[2] She had a mastectomy at St. John's Hospital in Livingston, which successfully removed the cancer.[3]
Scottish Parliament
editBrankin was Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport in the Scottish Executive from 1999 to 2000 and Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development from 2000 to 2001.[4] In October 2004 she was appointed Deputy Minister for Health and Community care, returning to the Environment and Rural Development portfolio in June 2005.[5] In January 2007 she was promoted to Minister for Communities after the resignation of Malcolm Chisholm.[6] Following Labour's defeat at the hands of the SNP at the May 2007 election, Brankin became shadow Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning.[7] She was convener of the Public Petitions Committee from June 2010.[8]
Prior to the 2011 elections, Brankin announced her decision not to stand for re-election, retiring from Holyrood after 12 years.[9] The Midlothian constituency underwent boundary changes, and the two new constituencies created, Midlothian North and Musselburgh, and Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, were won by the SNP.
References
edit- ^ Black, Andrew (22 March 2011). "Scottish election: MSPs bidding farewell to Holyrood". BBC News. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
- ^ a b "MSP upbeat about illness Brankin draws cross-party praise as she speaks out about breast cancer operation". HeraldScotland. Newsquest Media Group. 4 February 2000. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "Brankin offers hope to other sufferers Minister wins breast cancer fight". HeraldScotland. Newsquest Media Group. 23 March 2000. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "Previous MSPs: Session 1 (1999–2003): Rhona Brankin". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ "Previous MSPs: Session 2 (2003–2007): Rhona Brankin". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ "Brankin to fill communities post". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 9 January 2007. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- ^ Denholm, Andrew (13 October 2007). "It's money schools need, says Brankin". The Herald. Newsquest. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "Previous MSPs: Session 3 (2007–2011): Rhona Brankin". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ "Brankin to retire from Holyrood". BBC News. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
External links
edit
- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: Rhona Brankin