SNP leader John Swinney and disgraced former minister Michael Matheson once pledged to end ‘golden goodbyes’ for disgraced former ministers – but completely changed their tune when they were in power, the Scottish Conservatives have revealed.
The Scottish Conservatives demanded Michael Matheson return his exit payment and accused the SNP of “sheer hypocrisy” after publishing evidence of John Swinney’s previous comments from during his first stint as SNP leader.
John Swinney said: “In any other job if you are found guilty of gross incompetence you do not receive a pay-off but you simply get your P45 and are shown the door.”
The Scottish Conservatives also revealed quotes from Michael Matheson who, when he was shadow deputy justice minister, said it was “completely ridiculous” for disgraced former ministers to receive taxpayer-funded payouts.
He added incompetence should lead to “a sacking” not “sackloads of cash”.
Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said: “In his first stint as SNP leader, John Swinney would have handed Michael Matheson his P45 and denied him a golden goodbye.
“John Swinney has now discarded any principles he once held. He’s trashed his reputation and shown he can’t be trusted to keep his word.
“Michael Matheson must hand back his exit payment or it will be clear that he’s been dishonest and disingenuous for his whole career. In his own words, he shouldn’t be handed ‘sackloads of cash’ on the way out.
“If John Swinney won’t stick to his word and demand this taxpayer-funded payment is returned, he’s just as bad as the disgraced former health secretary.
“Voters across Scotland can judge Dishonest John on this scandal by backing the Scottish Conservatives to beat the SNP in key seats up and down Scotland on July 4th.”