Being the largest opposition party at Holyrood is a crucially important role. Not only do the Tories get first crack at First Minister’s Questions, but their scrutiny of the Government inevitably attracts widespread coverage in the media.
However, a number of Conservative MSPs seem to believe that serving at Holyrood is a part-time gig, to be squeezed around other paid jobs.
Several Tory members have lucrative outside positions that top up their MSP salaries. It also happens in other parties, but not to the same extent.
Such double-jobbing could be addressed by Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, but our revelations today show that she is unlikely to lead a crackdown.
According to her register of interests, Davidson has received plenty of money for TV appearances, including Have I Got News For You, and a book venture.
During the Holyrood election, Davidson pitched the Conservatives as a “strong opposition”, adding: “I will take the responsibility of this post seriously and serve with every ounce of determination, skill, tenacity and moral courage that I possess.”
However, the same manifesto did not say that “strong opposition” would include writing books and taking fees for appearing on television programmes like the Great British Bake Off's spin-off show.
Davidson should be listening to public concerns about double jobbing, not adding to her bank balance by promoting the ‘Ruth’ celebrity brand.
New rules on MSPs and their outside earnings are urgently required if the Westminster culture of double jobbing is to be avoided at Holyrood.
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