THE SNP has used its majority on the Scottish Parliament's Education Committee to block a demand for Michael Russell to answer questions about his recent row with the college sector.
Some MSPs had wanted the Education Secretary to be summoned to answer specific questions about the resignation of the chairman of Stow College Kirk Ramsay.
However, SNP members kicked it into the long grass, using the committee's built-in 5-4 majority.
Convener Stewart Maxwell, who was at the centre of the row for giving a broadcast interview which appeared to pre-empt the decision, took the unusual step of urging the session on committee business to be held in private.
While he apologised for the interview if it gave the impression he was pre-empting committee decisions, he insisted that was not the intention.
Opposition parties argued for Mr Russell to be brought back sooner to answer questions on the issue, but the SNP majority on the committee blocked this, saying he would be recalled in the New Year on the broader issue of colleges and rationalisation.
LibDem Liam McArthur said: "It is disappointing that SNP members do not deem it appropriate to hold Mr Russell to account for his actions over recent weeks. Even Mr Russell admitted last week that a change in his style and approach is needed."
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