Neil Gray apologises for ‘impression’ set in Aberdeen football controversy

Neil Gray apologises for ‘impression’ set in Aberdeen football controversy

Neil Grey told Holyrood’s MSPs that while he believed it was “legitimate” for him to go to games, he

should have “attended a wider range of games.”

It is a “matter of regret,” according to Scotland’s Health Secretary, since going to football games with

the team he supports makes it seem like he was “acting more as a fan and less as a minister.”

In a statement to MSPs at Holyrood, Neil Grey acknowledged that while it was “legitimate” for him to

attend games, he should have “attended a wider range of games” and expressed regret for the

“error.”

After facing criticism for using an official ministerial vehicle to drive to Aberdeen FC games at

Hampden at the Scottish Football Association’s request, he released a statement.

Mr Grey stated: “It is a matter of regret to me that, by attending four Aberdeen games, I have

given the impression of acting more as a fan and less as a minister.”

He acknowledged that he had also gone to sporting events including Scotland national team

matches, but he added, “When it comes to domestic football, I should have ensured I went to see

teams other than Aberdeen.”

The Health Secretary said: “It was not planned that way, but I should not have allowed that

situation to develop.

“I should have made sure that I attended a wider range of games and not just Aberdeen, and I

apologise for my error.”

Mr. Grey continued by telling MSPs that he had been accompanied by a family member who had

driven his ministerial car to five of the games he attended, including one involving Scotland.

It was emphasised by Mr. Grey that “this did not come at any additional cost to the taxpayer.”

It is “crucial we engage, support sport and are seen to do so,” he continued, adding that ministers

around the United Kingdom “are right to attend sporting events” as part of their official duties.

While he said he is an Aberdeen fan, he added: “I should not have allowed the impression to be

given that this played any role in my engagements.”

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, criticised the Health Secretary on Thursday, claiming that ministerial cars are not “free taxis to the football.”

“These luxury cars aren’t free taxis to the football for SNP ministers,” Mr. Findlay stated during Thursday’s First Minister’s Questions.

Neil Grey says he went to these games to talk about important government matters.

The social impact investment in sport was on the table, he says us, and it coincided with a significant cup match for his side.

“In the real world, his excuses lack any credibility – SNP ministers are having us on.”

Responding, First Minister John Swinney said: “I expect ministers to be engaged with a variety of

stakeholders in events and gatherings around the country, whether they are cultural, societal,

social or sporting events.

“That has always been the case in every administration in the United Kingdom, and I would

expect my ministers to do exactly that.”

Mr. Swinney continued by saying that only five of the 347 engagements the Health Secretary has

made since taking office have been athletic.

After Mr. Gray’s statement, the First Minister told reporters that he would not submit Mr. Grey to

an investigation under the ministerial code.

He claimed that “all the issues that need to be considered” had been covered in the statement,

and he now views the situation as “closed.”

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