MSP accused of hypocrisy over big game

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has been accused of “deserting” his Holyrood duties so he can watch Rangers play in the Europa League final.

He was criticised by Perth SNP MP Pete Wishart, who said it was “astounding” Mr Fraser is skipping Parliament due to a midweek trip to Seville for last night’s Eintracht Frankfurt clash.

Mr Wishart slammed his Conservative rival for missing portfolio questions on Scotland’s Covid recovery given he chairs the coronavirus committee.

He claimed it was hypocritical for Mr Fraser to be going to the European final given Tories previously criticised Nicola Sturgeon’s trip to the United States.

The Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP is in Seville alongside thousands of Rangers fans from across the country for last night’s final, which Rangers lost on penalties.

He is writing a diary for The Times on his experiences while abroad, and said yesterday morning he had been catching up on emails from constituents.

Mr Wishart said: “It is absolutely astounding and the height of hypocrisy to learn that Murdo Fraser is deserting his parliamentary responsibilities to go and watch a football match.

“While it is fantastic for Rangers to be in this final, Murdo Fraser perhaps needs gently reminded that there is a Tory-imposed cost of living crisis and a Covid recovery needing attended to. The hypocrisy is only compounded by the fact that Murdo Fraser is the Scottish Conservatives’ Covid recovery spokesman, the very subject of portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament, which he will be missing.

“All week the Scottish Tories have been bumping their gums about the first minister visiting the United States to promote Scotland’s interests.

“Apparently standing up for Scotland is all bad while attending a football game is OK.

“Perthshire has rejected Murdo Fraser on multiple occasions and after this I’m sure he will be heading for another red card.”

Ms Sturgeon was among a number of senior politicians across the country who wished Rangers well ahead of yesterday’s final.

Boris Johnson also offered his support to the Ibrox side ahead of the game at prime minister’s questions yesterday afternoon.

SHOWN RED CARD: Murdo Fraser was in Seville for last night’s Europa League final.