Scottish Health Secretary's Morocco trip leads to resignation

Scotland's Health Secretary, Michael Matheson, resigned on Thursday following intense scrutiny over a hefty £11,000 data roaming charge incurred on his iPad during a family trip to Morocco in 2022, BBC reported.

Initially, Matheson justified the expense by claiming he used the iPad for parliamentary work while travelling. However, after investigations launched by the Scottish Parliament he revealed that his sons had used it as an internet hotspot to watch football during the holiday.

Facing mounting pressure, Matheson acknowledged personal use on the trip and subsequently stepped down. He has since repaid the full amount of the data charge.

News of the exorbitant bill first emerged in November 2023, quickly sparking public outcry. Initially, Matheson agreed to a partial repayment of £3,000 from his office expenses in March 2024, with the remaining sum covered by Parliament. At the time, he maintained the device was solely used for official business.

Neil Gray has been appointed as the new Health Secretary.