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FMQs: Swinney 'abandoned his principles' over Matheson scandal

John Swinney was accused of “abandoning his principles” over the Michael Matheson scandal after he again refused to suspend the disgraced former health secretary.

Douglas Ross said the Michael Matheson scandal showed it was “one rule for the SNP and another rule for everyone else” after the SNP did not vote for any sanctions on Wednesday.

He raised a letter sent to John Swinney by one of his own Perthshire constituents, which said Michael Matheson “removed that money from the public purse for his own personal gain in a false claim” and called for his resignation.

When Labour’s Henry McLeish claimed expenses and then had to pay them back, John Swinney said: “People around Scotland will be staggered by the amount of money that is involved. Crucially the bond of trust that must exist between Scotland’s First Minister and the people has been broken... For the good of the Scottish Parliament... Mr McLeish should now resign.”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “In no other walk of life would Michael Matheson still be in a job.

“John Swinney refused to vote for any sanction of Michael Matheson and he has not suspended him from the SNP.

“It’s one rule for the SNP, another for everyone else in Scotland.

“John Swinney cannot keep his own integrity when he backs a man who has none.

“John Swinney claimed he was a safe pair of hands. But even he must realise the shambles he’s made of this scandal.

“When it’s not the SNP involved, John Swinney tries to talk like a man of integrity. He demands resignations. He speaks about trust. He preaches about honesty.

“But now it’s his friend in the SNP, he’s abandoned the principles he once held.

“The handling of this scandal has shown John Swinney’s true character and on July 4, the Scottish public have the opportunity to cast their judgment on his support for Michael Matheson. The only way to defeat the SNP in key seats across Scotland is to vote for the Scottish Conservatives.”