Anger over £7k grant to scandal-hit MSP
A FORMER SNP minister who received a “golden goodbye” after quitting amid alleged sexual misconduct has been urged to pay the cash back.
Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald received the money under Holyrood rules which state he is entitled to a “resettlement grant” of a quarter of his £29,083 ministerial salary.
McDonald, who quit as the Scottish Government’s childcare minister after 18 months in the post, was paid £7270.
He resigned from the Government on November 4 following reports he had sent a text message to a woman which included a reference to a sex act.
The payment comes into force 90 days after resignation, as stipulated in the Scottish Parliamentary Pensions Act 2009.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “This is unacceptable. It can’t be right that a minister who has resigned in such circumstances has effectively received a bonus from the taxpayer.
“If Mark McDonald has received this money, he must immediately return it or donate it to a charity such as Women’s Aid. Parliament must also urgently review the law.”
The Scottish Parliament said: “Any change to the Scottish Parliamentary Pensions Act 2009 would be a matter for all MSPs.”
McDonald was suspended by the SNP after further allegations surfaced about his conduct. He could not be contacted and the SNP declined to comment.