Michael Matheson iPad scandal

This article is part of a series about Humza Yousaf
Political positions Electoral history MSP for Glasgow Pollok Health Secretary COVID-19 pandemic vaccine rollout NHS' recovery plan Drug deaths National Care Service Bill NHS waiting list Cost-of-living crisis NHS pay offer First Minister of Scotland First Ministry and term 2023 SNP leadership election Michael Matheson iPad scandal Proposed second independence referendum Second Ministry and term Operation Branchform Bute House Agreement 2024 government crisis 2024 SNP leadership election
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This article is part of a series about John Swinney
Leader of the Scottish National Party Incumbent Political positions Electoral history MSP for Perthshire North Cabinet positions (2007–2023) Deputy First Minister of Scotland Finance Secretary Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland First Minister of Scotland (2024–present) Premiership Cabinet 2024 SNP leadership election Operation Branchform Michael Matheson iPad scandal Proposed second independence referendum 2024 United Kingdom general election Next Scottish Parliament election
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The Michael Matheson iPad scandal, commonly known as "iPadgate," emerged as a significant controversy in Scottish politics in late 2023. Michael Matheson, then serving as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care in the government of Humza Yousaf was revealed to have incurred nearly £11,000 in roaming charges after taking a Scottish Parliament iPad on a family holiday to Morocco. Matheson initially attempted to claim the charges as a parliamentary expense, but later admitted that the iPad had been used by his sons to stream football matches, and agreed to personally pay back the full cost of the data roaming bill. Following an investigation by the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, Matheson resigned as Health Secretary in February 2024. Matheson was subsequently banned from Holyrood for 27 days and had his salary withdrawn for 54 days, the heaviest sanction ever awarded to an MSP.