The SNP Government continued to back the “disgraced” health secretary Michael Matheson today, despite a poll showing the majority of Scots believe he must resign.
At First Minister’s Questions, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison defended Mr Matheson over his bogus claim for £11,000 of taxpayers’ money to cover a data bill run up while football was streamed via his parliament iPad.
Douglas Ross raised a new poll released yesterday showing a clear majority of Scots believe Michael Matheson should resign.
The Scottish Conservative leader said Michael Matheson has “lost the confidence of the country” and “needs to go for the good of the NHS”.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “Michael Matheson claimed taxpayers’ money when he shouldn’t have. He changed his story. He made up ludicrous excuses.
“The SNP Government continues to think the Scottish public believe Michael Matheson – but it’s clear that a majority of people don’t.
“A poll has confirmed the vast majority of Scots believe he should go, including most SNP voters.
“The public can see Michael Matheson is not focused on the day job.
“In the middle of an NHS crisis, the public needs to trust the health secretary. They don’t.
“When he meets nurses and doctors, they need to know he’s honest. He’s not.
“The disgraced health secretary has lost the confidence of the country.
“He needs to go for the good of the NHS.
“This week the Deputy First Minister said the public sector workforce would need to shrink. Shouldn’t it start with sacking Michael Matheson?”