The Scottish Conservatives are intensifying their demands for action following the confirmation by Holyrood’s corporate body that former health secretary Michael Matheson breached the MSP code of conduct.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has written to First Minister Humza Yousaf, urging him to display firm leadership by suspending the SNP whip from Matheson. At the same time, the standards committee investigates the matter.
Ross highlights the severity of Matheson’s offense compared to that of MSP Fergus Ewing, who was suspended for a week after voting against Lorna Slater in a motion of no confidence.
He emphasizes that Matheson’s actions, which led to multiple breaches of the MSP code of conduct, warrant swift and decisive action.
Ross criticizes Yousaf for standing by Matheson and refers to his previous suspension of Ewing, citing inconsistency in the application of disciplinary measures within the SNP. He argues that if Matheson had any decency, he would resign as an MSP.
Ewing’s suspension stemmed from his support for a motion against Slater in June, which he believed was in the best interest of businesses in his constituency. In contrast, Matheson stepped down from his Cabinet position last month amidst the parliamentary investigation into the bill.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) published its findings on Matheson’s breaches on Thursday. The full report is awaiting consideration by Holyrood’s Standards Committee.
