Tory MSP accused of ‘deserting’ Holyrood for Rangers’ big game

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser was accused of “deserting” his Holyrood duties so he could watch Rangers play in the Europa League final last night.

He was criticised by Perth SNP MP Pete Wishart who said it is “astounding” Mr Fraser skipped parliament to make the trip to Seville to see the Ibrox club lose to Eintracht Frankfurt in a dramatic penalty shootout after the game finished 1-1.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mr Fraser was in the Spanish city along with thousands of other Rangers fans, who watched the Light Blues fail in their bid to become the first Scottish club to win a major European trophy in almost 40 years.

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

He claimed that it was hypocritical for Mr Fraser to go to the European final after Tories previously criticised Nicola Sturgeon’s recent trip to the United States.

Mr Fraser 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 Wednesday’s portfolio questions in the Scottish parliament, which he will be missing.”

Mr Wishart added: “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 whilst 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 the final.

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

He told the Commons: “I know members across the House will want to join me in offering our best wishes to Rangers for the match in Seville.”

STORY OF THE BLUES: Rangers’ Joe Aribo celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Europa League Final in Seville last night, watched by Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, right, who has been criticised for the trip by SNP MP Pete Wishart.