Michael Matheson: Standards committee 'compromised' by 'politicised' process

Former health secretary Michael Matheson has said a standards committee investigation into his conduct was “compromised” after becoming “highly politicised”.

The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee earlier recommended a 27-day suspension for Matheson and a fine amounting to 54 days’ wages.

The cross-party committee has been considering a complaint made against the SNP MSP who claimed £11,000 for data roaming charges incurred while on a family holiday in Morocco.

Speaking after First Minister’s Questions, Matheson said: “I acknowledge the recommendations that the committee have made. I think it’s pretty clear, though, that the process had become highly politicised, which has compromised the process and the fairness of the process.

“I also think the sanctions which they have proposed are excessive and they are unfair. As it stands at the present moment, it will now be a matter for parliament to decide on the report...whatever the parliament decides, I will obviously abide by that.”

During FMQs, First Minister John Swinney said he could not support the sanction against Matheson, saying the standards committee had been “prejudiced”.