SNP Health Secretary gifted VIP tickets and chauffeured to Aberdeen games
The SNP’s Health Secretary, Neil Gray, was chauffeured to Hampden Park in a ministerial car to watch three Aberdeen games, where he was given VIP tickets. Gray, a supporter of the Dons, attended matches against Hibernian, Rangers, and Celtic in League and Scottish Cup fixtures, as reported by the Sunday Post. The Scottish Government clarified that Gray was present at the games as a guest of the SFA for discussions related to “essential” business matters.
This event follows the SNP’s previous criticism of Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer for accepting complimentary tickets to Arsenal and England matches. Gray, who represents Airdrie and Shotts, listed these football outings as official business. His first attendance was on November 4, 2023, witnessing Aberdeen’s victory over Hibs in the League Cup semi-final. The visit was recorded as discussing “social impact investment in sport”.
Subsequently, Gray returned to Hampden on December 17 to watch Aberdeen lose to Rangers in the final. After assuming the role of Health Secretary in February 2024, Gray spectated the Dons facing Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final on April 20, 2024, categorising the visit as “sport”. Other SNP government ministers also utilised ministerial cars for trips to sporting events, such as Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon attending a rugby match at Murrayfield and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown witnessing a recent football match between Scotland and Finland.
The Scottish Government emphasised that ministerial engagements and event attendance are crucial for building relationships with stakeholders and promoting Scotland. All travel expenses are managed according to policies to ensure cost-effectiveness and value for the Scottish public.
In summary, SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray’s attendance at Aberdeen games with VIP tickets and ministerial car services has raised discussions about the appropriateness of accepting such gifts and the transparency of such engagements within government officials’ responsibilities.