It’s been a busy 24 hours in Scottish politics since Michael Matheson resigned over an £11,000 iPad bill.
This means a wide range of personnel changes, including the appointment of a new Health Secretary and a new Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.
The reason for this is roaming charges. Michael Matheson, who until 24 hours ago was health secretary, has asked for an £11,000 data roaming bill for Parliament’s iPad in 2022.
These were initially refunded, but after it became public and the subject of an article in the Telegraph, he blamed it on an expired SIM card and said he would pay the full amount of the bill. He also claimed he was only using the iPad for campaign work on his days off.
However, a breakdown of the data was later released and it was revealed that it was actually his sons who were watching the football. He said he did not admit it at the time to protect them.
He called himself the Scottish Parliament Corporation.
Yesterday, he submitted his resignation, saying that although he had not yet seen the report, he did not want to “detract from the government’s agenda.”
A Manchester-based holiday company has already offered him a job as head of mobile data…
Hey @MathesonMichael, the scary phone bill after the holidays is the worst. 😬 We’re here to help… https://t.co/bxhcse8lWA pic.twitter.com/uhtvqM1t2R
— On the Beach (@OntheBeachUK) February 8, 2024
Now to the personnel changes and the new Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Kaukabu Stewart. Mr Stewart will replace Christina McKelvey, who has been appointed Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy.
“We are proud to bring in the first woman of color in history.” [sic] “The formation of the Scottish Government – I believe the appointment of Kaukabu Stewart as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development is another sign that we are moving forward as a nation,” said First Minister Humza Yousaf.
“These new appointments reflect this Government’s priorities and mission to drive equality, opportunity and community, and we look forward to working with them as we continue to serve the people of Scotland. I’m looking forward to it.”
It is an honor and a privilege to serve in Government alongside such a strong team, especially those who are committed to serving Scotland. I look forward to immersing myself in such a diverse and important overview. https://t.co/9bXytisxjB
— Kaukab Stewart MSP (@kaukabstewart) February 8, 2024
Before entering politics, Mr. Stewart was an elementary school teacher for almost 30 years.
In her new role, she will be responsible for:
- international development
- Supporting creative industries and the creative workforce
- Youth Music Initiative and Youth Arts
- Culture, Community Engagement, Libraries
- creative scotland
- Other arts such as performing arts, literature, and poetry
- Museums and Galleries Scotland and Cultural Collections
- Major events (including Edinburgh Festival) and theme years
- historic environment scotland
- A company with a nationwide track record
- UNESCO World Heritage Site/Intangible Cultural Heritage
Parliament will be asked to approve new appointments after recess.