SNP health secretary embroiled in expenses debacle

To Scotland, where the Nats are once again under scrutiny over expenses claims. It now transpires that not only had SNP health secretary Neil Gray been using ministerial cars to take him to sports matches, he took relatives in the vehicle with him too. The last time Mr S checked, acting ‘in line with government duties’ did not involve bringing family along on the job…

Gray came under fire after the Sunday Mail revealed the Aberdeen FC fan had been chauffeured to a number of his team’s games between November 2023 and May 2024. After pressure on Gray ramped up, the cabinet minister opted on Thursday to make a statement on his use of the public purse in Holyrood. Lamenting the optics of the situation, the separatist admitted to parliamentarians:

It is a matter of regret to me. By attending four Aberdeen games that I have given the impression of acting more as a fan and less as a minister…but when it comes to domestic football I should have ensured I went to see teams other than Aberdeen.