Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance used a government car to take her and a close family member to the Old Firm league cup final, just two days before new rules were introduced limiting the use of ministerial limos for relatives. This incident follows a similar controversy involving Health Secretary Neil Gray, raising concerns about the justification for such perks.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance and a close family member were taken to the Old Firm league cup final in a chauffeur-driven government car.
Former Labour MSP and anti-poverty campaigner Neil Findlay said: “At a time when families are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and public services are on the brink, it will stick in the throat of voters to see a well-paid Cabinet Secretary using a ministerial car in this way. The Justice Secretary must provide full transparency on this junket.”
The new rules heavily restrict the use of government cars for relatives, saying: “It is permissible for a close family member to travel with a Minister in an official car on occasions where it is clearly in the public interest for them to attend an official engagement and/or where it is justified on security grounds.
The trip by Constance raised eyebrows among MSPs. One said: “I don’t see how travelling in a government car to an Old Firm match with a relative is in the public interest. SNP Ministers must stop using public resources for private benefit.”
Limo Scandal Ministerial Perks Scottish Government Ethics Old Firm Final
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