Senior SNP members in Falkirk have insisted that Michael Matheson is a man of “integrity” and has their “full support” despite breaking parliamentary rules over an £11,000 iPad roaming bill.
The local party's executive shared their backing for the disgraced ex-health secretary on Facebook, in a post that was liked by Cecil Meiklejohn the leader of Falkirk Council. She later told The Herald that she stood by the statement.
The activists described the MSP, who misled journalists and Holryood’s Presiding Officer, as a “dedicated public servant.”
READ MORE: Michael Matheson 'lied flat out to the Presiding Officer'
And despite Mr Matheson having avoided Parliament since he resigned as a minister last month, the local activists said the veteran politician "continues to fight for what is right as an SNP MSP.”
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) yesterday ruled that the disgraced ex-health minister had twice breached the MSP’s code of conduct, upholding three complaints made against him.
They have referred the matter to Holyrood’s standards committee, who will investigate and decide on any further sanction. It seems likely he could be suspended.
Last year, Maggie Chapman, a Green MSP, was suspended from one meeting of the equalities committee after failing to declare a financial interest.
Previously Mark McDonald, a former SNP minister, was suspended from Holyrood for a month without pay after an investigation concluded he harassed a woman.
Tory MSP Annie Wells was banned from parliament for a week after speaking to the media before a report was published.
READ MORE: Michael Matheson breached MSP's code of conduct
In a statement shared on their Facebook last night, the executive committee of the Falkirk West constituency association said: “Michael Matheson MSP continues to have our full support as our SNP MSP for Falkirk West.
“He continues to be a dedicated public servant who strives to do the best for his constituents and for the Scottish people.
“He has decades of experience as an MSP and is known for his integrity, hard work and dedication.
“He continues to fight for what is right as an SNP MSP.”
Cllr Meiklejohn later told The Herald: "I fully support Michael Matheson. He is a hard working local MSP of 25 years, and has carried out his various roles during his time in government diligently and effectively and he will continue to have my full support."
However, Mr Matheson’s future as an SNP MSP may be in doubt with Humza Yousaf coming under pressure to remove the whip from his close colleague.
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