Born on 9 July 1974 in Kilmarnock, her family emigrated to Quebec, Canada when she was six because her father could not find work in Scotland.

[5] Whitham's family were miners in Muirkirk and agricultural workers at many local farms from Sorn to Coylton.

[6] After graduating, she returned to Scotland and freelanced in local media, then worked in community support roles in Ayrshire including over ten years as a Scottish Women's Aid worker assisting victims of domestic abuse.

[8] She became Depute Leader of the council, and was also national housing and homelessness lead for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

[13] In November 2022, it was announced that Whitham would succeed Ash Regan as Minister for Community Safety, subject to parliamentary approval.