John Swinney's BBC journalist wife Elizabeth Quigley resigns on health grounds

BBC Scotland journalist Elizabeth Quigley, married to First Minister John Swinney, has resigned from the corporation due to health issues. Quigley began her career with BBC Scotland in 1999 as the first female correspondent in the Scottish Parliament. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000 at the age of 28. In 2021, she disclosed that she has been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a painful condition affecting the facial nerve.

Quigley explained that the condition causes severe electric-shock-like pain on one side of her face, which can impair her ability to speak, eat, or drink. Despite her struggles, she has managed to regain her speech and reduce discomfort with the help of her neurologist and NHS team. However, the pain can reappear, leading her to make the difficult decision to resign from the BBC on health grounds.

Quigley has reported for the BBC across Scotland, covering various topics, including MS and its impact on Scotland, and has made radio and television documentaries. She was diagnosed with MS in 2007, seven years after her initial diagnosis. Quigley had previously taken a break from political reporting following her marriage to Swinney in 2003, as they have a son named Matthew.

When Swinney became First Minister in May 2021, Quigley stood alongside him, using a crutch for support. She openly shared her disability, stating that she chooses to live life with MS differently and that her career proves this is possible. BBC Scotland head of news Howard Simpson praised Quigley's resilience and expressed gratitude for her contributions, wishing her the best in the future.