HUMZA Yousaf’s special advisers tried to deflect criticism of Michael Matheson’s £11,000 iPad bill by blaming Brexit, we can reveal.
Critics last night accused Nats of focusing on “downright bizarre” point-scoring over the eye-watering holiday data bill.
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They hit out at an aide’s email sent on November 9 after the huge sum — racked up when the former Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport visited Morocco with family — was revealed in parly expenses.
Scottish Government special adviser Kate Higgins wrote: “Presumably Mr Matheson’s charges relate to foreign travel when cab sec NZeT.
“Can we make sure lines cover Brexit being reason any of us have roaming charges in Europe?”
Since Britain voted to leave the European Union, travellers are no longer guaranteed free roaming on mobile devices in member countries.
Holyrood officials initially refused to publish the email exchange but it was released after a Freedom of Information appeal.
Scots Tory chair Craig Hoy hit out: “This shows the SNP machine closing ranks to protect Michael Matheson.
“And one aide’s bright idea of blaming Brexit, rather than Mr Matheson trying to pin costs on the taxpayer is downright bizarre, since Morocco has never been in the EU.
“Like his attempts to cling on to office at all costs, these disgraceful exchanges expose the SNP’s addiction to secrecy and contempt for the public.”
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Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine weighed in last night: “In the midst of an unfolding scandal, taxpayer-funded advisers were looking for a way to score political points.”
The Scottish Government insisted: “This was an exchange in advance of FMQs and the likelihood of the First Minister being asked about it.”
Mr Matheson initially claimed he ran up the bill doing constituency work.
He later claimed to have discovered his sons used his MSP device as a hotspot to stream footie and agreed to cover the full cost.
He quit as Health Secretary last week ahead of a scandal probe’s findings.
The SNP said: “Mr Matheson has co-operated fully with the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body process.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This was an exchange between the First Minister’s special advisers in advance of FMQs and the likelihood of the First Minister being asked about it.”
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