The saga of Health Secretary Neil Gray taking ministerial cars to watch football matches was damaging for the government. Even though government business was being conducted, the perception of using taxpayer resources to see his favourite team was poor.
The error was compounded by the fact a relative also benefited from the free travel while other fans paid their own way. Now we learn Justice Secretary Angela Constance and a family member used a taxpayer-funded car to travel to Hampden for the Old Firm cup final.
This week a change to the Ministerial Code was published which clamped down on relatives using government cars. The new Code says there must be a clear “public interest” in such cases or on an “exceptional” basis.
At first glance, it seems hard to work out a public interest justification for a family member joining Constance in her car on this occasion. It is understandable the Justice Secretary would want a plus one during a sporting fixture like a cup final.
But the new rules were introduced because the status quo was not fit for purpose. Most voters would agree Ministers will accept hospitality to events where they will be lobbied on public policy.
Taking relatives along for the ride seems to cross a line and the public will be unimpressed. The new rules have been brought in for a reason and they must be adhered to strictly.
Experience counts
Joanna Cherry has a point when she says more politicians could do with some life experience before they start out in politics. Too many of our MSPs and MPs owe their positions to joining their respective parties at a young age and grabbing a research role out of university.
The most ambitious will quickly graduate from answering the phones in some dreary constituency office to an advisory role in parliament. The Holyrood list system – where voters choose a party, not a candidate – makes it too easy for senior politicians to insist young helpers then grab MSP roles.
Such appointments are often rewards for loyalty – rather than actual merit. And instead of a Scottish Parliament of the best and brightest, we have ended up with a chamber stuffed full of party hacks.
This conveyer belt from university to Holyrood widens the disconnect between the public and parliament. It’s time all parties started to widen the net and look for people of real talent and experience to stand for parliament.
Only then will Holyrood be a true reflection of the society it serves.
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