Scottish Daily Record – Kate Forbes defends SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray being chauffeured to watch Aberdeen games
Kate Forbes has come to the defense of her SNP Cabinet colleague, Neil Gray, after it was revealed that he had been chauffeured to attend three Aberdeen football games. Gray, who took over as Health Secretary from Michael Matheson, faced backlash over his use of a ministerial car for the Dons matches. However, Forbes, the Deputy First Minister, maintained that it was appropriate for Gray to attend these professional games in an official capacity. She explained that as the Health Secretary, it was fitting for Gray, a devoted Aberdeen fan, to engage with sports stakeholders as part of his portfolio responsibilities. Gray is expected to address the issue at the Scottish Parliament this week in response to calls from the Conservative Party.
Forbes clarified that the Aberdeen matches Gray attended were either in his previous role as the wellbeing economy, fair work, and energy secretary or during his tenure as Health Secretary. All expenses for the games were covered by the Scottish Football Association. Forbes emphasised that Gray had adhered to the rules governing ministerial transport and stakeholder engagement. She dismissed suggestions that Gray’s actions were a resigning matter, citing his role as the minister for health and sport. The Scottish Conservatives criticised the SNP for their handling of the situation, drawing parallels to a previous expenses scandal involving Michael Matheson.
Matheson had resigned as health secretary after controversy surrounding a £10,000 roaming bill incurred during a family holiday. He repaid the expense following public scrutiny and a subsequent investigation by the Parliament. Despite the comparisons drawn by the opposition, Forbes maintained that Gray’s conduct was within the boundaries of his ministerial duties. The issue is expected to be further scrutinised during Gray’s statement at Holyrood. The Scottish Daily Record reached out to Gray for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
In summary, Kate Forbes has defended Health Secretary Neil Gray’s attendance at Aberdeen games, stating that it falls within his responsibilities as the minister for health and sport. The controversy surrounding Gray’s use of a ministerial car to reach these matches has sparked debate within the Scottish political landscape. Gray is set to address the matter in Parliament, where he will respond to criticisms from opposing parties. The issue draws comparisons to a past expenses scandal involving former health secretary Michael Matheson, highlighting the scrutiny faced by government officials in matters of public expenditure and conduct.