SNP candidate hits out at handling of Matheson scandal after election defeat

TONI Giugliano has hit out at the SNP’s handling of the Michael Matheson iPad scandal after his election defeat.

The SNP’s candidate in Falkirk argued that the former health minister shouldn’t have been protected by the party after being found to have breached rules on parliamentary expenses over a near-£11,000 data roaming bill on his parliamentary iPad.

The comments came after Giugliano lost what was once considered a safe seat to Labour's Euan Stainbank after a 20.5% swing away from the SNP in what was a disastrous night for the party.

In a post on Facebook, Giugliano (below) said the SNP must “take time to reflect on the scale of defeat” across Scotland and “rebuild trust with voters”.

(Image: PA)

He added: "I don’t believe this result is a reflection on support for independence - voters have sent the SNP a very clear message to get its house in order.

“I agree with John Swinney that we must heal our relationship with voters - and Falkirk is the place to start. An MSP found to have breached rules on parliamentary expenses must never again be protected - quite the opposite, they must be removed from office.”

Giugiano also called out the local Falkirk council’s move to close community centres and cut school hours.

“It’s extraordinary that the local SNP administration failed to support my campaign and instead publicly attacked me days before the election for siding with parents,” he said.

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“They should consider their position. “My team in Falkirk is the most hardworking and committed team I’ve ever campaigned with - several of them are ready to step up as new candidates in future elections and they have my full support. I‘ve built deep bonds with grassroots members of Falkirk SNP, I thank them for choosing me as their candidate and supporting me over these past 10 months.”

John Swinney previously defended his decision to challenge the sanction ordered against Matheson, saying the process on a Holyrood committee was “damaged” by “prejudice” from one of its members.

Holyrood’s Standards Committee backed a 27-day suspension for Matheson following the row over the bill.

But the First Minister said he did not support the cross-party committee’s sanction as one of its members, Conservative Annie Wells, had previously made critical comments about Matheson’s explanation for the bill, which Swinney believes therefore prejudiced the decision.