News / Politics
Karin Smyth reveals cancer diagnosis
Karin Smyth will not be returning to the House of Commons after the Easter recess following a cancer diagnosis.
The Bristol South MP has revealed that following leg surgery in November, she was diagnosed with melanoma and recently had a second operation as part of a preventative treatment plan.
She is set to continue her recovery at home in Bristol ahead of further potential treatment.
Smyth has been the member of parliament for Bristol South since 2015, having previously worked as an NHS manager, most recently for the former NHS Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group.
The 59-year-old is currently shadow minister for health. Her son, Sean Smyth, is standing as a Labour candidate in Cotham at the local elections in May.
Karin Smyth’s parents came to Britain from Ireland in the 1950s, with Smyth recently taking part in Bristol’s St Patrick’s Day parade – photo: Karin Smyth
In a statement, Smyth said: “The care I have received has been fantastic, and I’m very grateful to NHS staff for their work, I want to express my thanks to the teams at my GP practice, Southmead Hospital, and the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
“I’ve also found it very helpful speaking to the team at Melanoma Focus, who have provided useful information and guidance about this condition.
“I look forward to working with them in the future, as they continue their important work in researching and raising awareness of this type of skin cancer.
“While I’m away from Westminster, my constituency office will continue to function as normal and I have secured a proxy vote for Parliament.
“This means I will continue to vote on all the issues that matter to Bristol South constituents in the House of Commons, I look forward to be doing this in person again soon.”
Main photo: Karin Smyth
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