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Former Member of the Scottish Parliament
Elena Whitham
Unknown party
At a glance Elena Whitham was a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
Attendance is votes cast as a share of the 2,903 Holyrood divisions on record; Elena Whitham did not vote in 35.
Voting record
The most recent divisions Elena Whitham voted in. For, Against and Abstain are as recorded.
| 24 Mar 2026 | Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Railways Bill - UK Legislation | For |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill | For |
| 19 Mar 2026 | Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 8th Report, 2026 (Session 6) | For |
| 19 Mar 2026 | Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 18 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | For |
| 18 Mar 2026 | Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Business Programme | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Business Programme | For |
Questions
Elena Whitham has tabled 86 questions in the Scottish Parliament.
To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be More Homes …
To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be More Homes Scotland's core mission.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan.
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan.
Answer · Maree Todd · 10 Mar 2026
The Scottish Government and COSLA have jointly published ‘Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland’s Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan’ today. Grounded in human rights, the Strategic Plan reaffirms our commitment to a public health, evidence-informed approach to alcohol and drug use.It builds on the significant progress made throughout the National Mission, with a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention, while strengthening vital harm reduction measures and improving treatment and care pathways to support long term recovery.Whilst there has been a decrease in the most recent National Records of Scotland figures for both alcohol and drugs deaths, we know there is much more to do including addressing the escalating threat from synthetic drugs.The Strategic Plan is a key component of Scotland’s broader public health reform agendas including the Population Health Framework and Service Renewal Framework.Alongside the Plan, a revised Partnership Delivery Framework for Alcohol & Drugs Partnerships, and a National Specification for Alcohol and Drugs Services have also been published.To deliver on our ambitions, we are sustaining the significant increase in investment made over the course of the National Mission. We are maintaining record levels of funding for alcohol and drug policy of more than £160 million in total. This includes £115 million for Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships across Scotland and continued investment in the third sector and voluntary organisations that provide invaluable support.The Strategic Plan is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806436835The Partnership Delivery Framework is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806439843The National Specification is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806439836
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans for the new arrangements for withdrawal from religious education and re…
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans for the new arrangements for withdrawal from religious education and religious observance in schools to come into force in time for the start of the academic year 2026-27.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth · 11 Mar 2026
Timescales for the commencement of the legislation are a matter for the next government and will be confirmed in due course. The government would expect statutory guidance to be issued in advance of any legal duties coming into force.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details of the support provided to NHS boards to develop…
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details of the support provided to NHS boards to develop specialist care pathways for postural tachycardia syndrome.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how its Good Food Nation journey encourages local p…
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how its Good Food Nation journey encourages local procurement, promotes local produce and reduces food miles.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on pedestrian safety improvements.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on pedestrian safety improvements.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on (a) its progress towards the breastfeeding stretch …
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on (a) its progress towards the breastfeeding stretch aim to reduce drop-off in breastfeeding at six to eight weeks by 10% by 2025, as set out in the most recent Programme for Government, and (b) whether it plans to set a new stretch aim as part of its recently published Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategic Framework.
Answer · Jenni Minto · 18 Nov 2025
I can confirm that the commitment to reduce drop-off in breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks by 10% by 2025 has been achieved and exceeded. The rate of drop off has reduced from 34.5% in 2017-18, when the stretch aim was announced, to 25.3% in 2024-25, a reduction of 9.2 percentage points. This shows a 27% reduction, thereby exceeding the anticipated 10% by some margin.As we set out in the Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategic Framework published earlier this year, we committed to setting out a new stretch aim before the end of 2025. Following engagement with Health Boards and key stakeholders, I can now confirm that this will be ‘to reduce drop-off in breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks by 10% by 2031’.Much of the improvement over the last seven years has been driven by a combined approach within and between Health Boards, including further embedding of the Unicef UK Baby Friendly standards. From 2025-26 the Scottish Government is permanently transferring over £0.8 million annual additional investment into the baseline budgets of NHS Boards to provide a sustainable basis for funding for interventions to support breastfeeding. This builds on additional investment of over £11 million since 2018. This funding will continue to be used to support evidence-based interventions and to target those who need it most.As part of our achievements for the highest rates of breastfeeding ever, at 69% initiation and 61% at First Visit, we now have more than half of all babies being breastfed at 6-8 weeks. The statistics from 11 November mark the first time since these statistics began in Scotland in 2002-03 that more babies are being breastfed than formula fed at that time point. It is also clear from the most recent Infant Feeding Statistics, that action on breastfeeding inequalities is making a difference, with the most marked differences for those who live in the most deprived areas and younger mothers.We want all babies to have the best start in life, including the best nutritional start. Supporting, protecting and promoting breastfeeding remains one of the most important actions we can take to improve the health of both the mother and baby, in both the short and long term. However, we also recognise that breastfeeding might not be possible for every mother and baby and we will continue to support all parents with their infant feeding choices.This work has been driven through our health services and partners, and in particular the role of Infant Feeding Leads and their teams across maternity, neonatal and community-based services. We will continue to work collaboratively with local leaders to ensure that all mothers across Scotland can be fully supported to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work it has been doing regarding people obtaini…
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work it has been doing regarding people obtaining in-person GP appointments.
Awaiting an answer.
Motions lodged
| 19 Mar 2026 | Congratulating Mrs Maureen McMillan on 42 Years in Education | 16 sig. |
| 12 Mar 2026 | Commending Cameron McIntosh of Dundonald for Inspiring Volunteer Work | 18 sig. |
| 18 Feb 2026 | The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Girvan’s Story | 16 sig. |
| 9 Feb 2026 | The Zone Initiative Limited Awarded National Lottery Funding | 21 sig. |
| 6 Jan 2026 | Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 | 32 sig. |
| 17 Nov 2025 | Girvan's Lend and Mend Hub Wins Project Excellence Award | 16 sig. |
Speeches
Recent things Elena Whitham has said in the chamber and in committee, from the Official Report.
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests—I am a member of Shelter Scotland’s committee.Given that far too many children live in temporary accommodation, more homes Scotland must be integral to ending homelessness, …
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time (draft)
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests—I am a member of Shelter Scotland’s committee.Given that far too many children live in temporary accommodation, more homes Scotland must be integral to ending homelessness, …
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time
To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be more homes Scotland’s core mission. (S6O-05714)
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time (draft)
To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be more homes Scotland’s core mission. (S6O-05714)
24 Mar 2026 Sport and Activity as a Force for Good (draft)
I thank my colleague Brian Whittle for securing this excellent debate. I rise to speak about sport being a force for good with a mixture of pride, gratitude and a sense of coming full circle. This will be my last speech in the Parliament, …
18 Mar 2026 Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes.
17 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill (draft)
I, too, thank Liam McArthur, from the bottom of my heart, for enabling and empowering us to debate a very important issue.I clearly recall staring for a full five minutes last June at a message from my best friend as the world around me fe…
17 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
I, too, thank Liam McArthur, from the bottom of my heart, for enabling and empowering us to debate a very important issue.I clearly recall staring for a full five minutes last June at a message from my best friend as the world around me fe…
13 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (draft)
I find that turn of phrase to be particularly distasteful. Will Sue Webber reflect on that, and will she think about whether my mother’s death, which was legal under the current law and took two weeks in which she starved to death, was a “…
13 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (draft)
I wonder whether Public Health Scotland would be able to use the data that we already have access to with regard to people who are ranked 1 on the Scottish index of multiple deprivation and so on as some type of indicator that could addres…
12 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (draft)
Would the member accept that the way that the system currently works means that conversations with people who are terminally ill are indeed happening? I have spoken on the record about my mum, and there are many others like her. They have …
12 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
Would the member accept that the way that the system currently works means that conversations with people who are terminally ill are indeed happening? I have spoken on the record about my mum, and there are many others like her. They have …
12 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
Would the member accept that the way that the system currently works means that conversations with people who are terminally ill are indeed happening? I have spoken on the record about my mum, and there are many others like her. They have …
12 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (draft)
To flesh out the issue, if we are looking at statistical significance and the prevalence of disease, we should not lose sight of what the primary cause of death would have been, which is the underlying condition. Mr McArthur’s amendment 46…
12 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
To flesh out the issue, if we are looking at statistical significance and the prevalence of disease, we should not lose sight of what the primary cause of death would have been, which is the underlying condition. Mr McArthur’s amendment 46…
12 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
To flesh out the issue, if we are looking at statistical significance and the prevalence of disease, we should not lose sight of what the primary cause of death would have been, which is the underlying condition. Mr McArthur’s amendment 46…
11 Mar 2026 Skye House
In the light of the concerns that have been expressed by young people and their families that those with co-occurring neurodivergence, or those who are living with the less-understood eating disorder known as avoidant restrictive food inta…
11 Mar 2026 Skye House (draft)
In the light of the concerns that have been expressed by young people and their families that those with co-occurring neurodivergence, or those who are living with the less-understood eating disorder known as avoidant restrictive food inta…
3 Mar 2026 Ferries and Ports (draft)
Islanders should not be restricted by seasonal ferry pricing. Therefore, it is welcome that, in the midst of the continued cost of living crisis under Labour, this SNP Government is investing £1.8 million in 2026-27 to remove peak fares on…
3 Mar 2026 Topical Question Time (draft)
In the light of consistent international experience, including data from across Australia, where record additional investment in palliative and end-of-life care accompanied the introduction of voluntary assisted dying, does the cabinet sec…
Seat & career
- Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Constituency MSP · Dissolution 6 May 2021 – 8 Apr 2026
Allowances
2025 (latest published)
Source: Scottish Parliament (published ~1 year in arrears)
Contact & offices
Source: this MSP's official Scottish Parliament profile. Last updated 26 Jul 2026.