Former Scottish Health Secretary Michael Matheson has been found in breach of the Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) code of conduct following an investigation into an £11,000 bill accrued on a parliamentary iPad. The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) reported the breach after it was discovered that the iPad, initially claimed to be used for parliamentary work, was employed as a Wi-Fi hotspot for Matheson’s sons to watch football during a family trip to Morocco. The expenses, originally covered by public funds, were later reimbursed by Matheson amidst growing public and opposition pressure.

The incident, which precedes Matheson’s February resignation, has sparked debate on the use of parliamentary resources and political accountability within the Scottish government. The issue is now with the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee of the Scottish Parliament, which is tasked with reviewing the SPCB’s findings and determining any sanctions against Matheson. Previous instances of similar conduct have seen MSPs facing penalties including financial consequences, hinting at potential repercussions for Matheson’s career.

Criticism has extended to the broader Scottish National Party (SNP) government, with opposition figures accusing them of either negligence or complicity in the matter. The full extent of the repercussions for Matheson and any implications for the SNP will become clearer following the Standards Committee’s review and decision on appropriate sanctions.