Holyrood watchdog holds meeting with shamed SNP MSP Michael Matheson in private

A Holyrood watchdog quizzed shamed ipad expenses MSP Michael Matheson at a secret hearing.

The Parliament’s Standards Committee heard from Matheson over the £11,000 data roaming bill, but the public were blocked from watching.

Matheson quit the SNP Cabinet over the long-running saga over how he had racked up the huge cost during a family holiday in Morocco.

He initially claimed he did know know what was to blame but later admitted his children had used the parliamentary device to watch football.

He was also accused of lying to journalists about the matter.

A parliamentary probe found he had made "improper" use of the Parliament's publicly-funded expenses system and the matter was referred to the Committee.

The Standards investigation is ongoing and a meeting with Matheson took place yesterday, but it was classed as “private”.

Holyrood has regularly been criticised over the years for holding committee meetings in private which critics say should be transparent.

Members on the committee could recommend a stiff sanction such as suspension if any breach of the MSP code of conduct if judged to be serious.

Asked previously by the Record if he would resign as an MSP, Matheson said: "No. As you know, there is a Standards process at the moment, and I'm going to respect the confidentiality of that process.

“I’m looking forward to the process being completed shortly.”

He has recently been off sick but has been in the Parliament debating chamber this week.

Alba General Secretary Chris McEleny said: "Michael Matheson is well liked within the independence movement and when I was previously in the SNP I also classed him as a decent man. However, one of John Swinney’s top tasks is to bring back competency to the centre of Government but that can’t happen if a culture of secrecy remains at its heart."

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “Whilst the Committee’s consideration of the SPCB’s report is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment. However, in all cases where the Committee considers complaints, all consideration, including hearing from the parties involved, is done in private to ensure the confidentiality of the process."

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