Drugs minister Elena Whitham quits due to post-traumatic stress

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham has resigned from the Scottish government for health reasons.

The SNP MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said she was receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress.

She said the condition had "greatly" affected her wellbeing.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said that he was "greatly saddened" by her resignation and thanked her for efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths.

Ms Whitham, who will continue as a backbench MSP, was appointed to the ministerial post in March having previously served as community safety minister.

In a letter to Mr Yousaf, she wrote: "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."

She said it had been her "greatest honour" to serve in the government.

Accepting her resignation, Mr Yousaf replied: "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."

The government said a replacement would be appointed in due course.

The first minister spoke of his own struggles with mental health earlier this week.

Mr Yousaf told The Rest is Politics podcast he was almost in a "state of breakdown" when his first marriage ended in 2016 and described seeking professional help as "the best thing I ever did".