Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson has written to the First Minister, announcing his decision to resign.

In a letter to Humza Yousaf today, Mr Matheson says the First Minister will continue to have his “full support” from the backbenches but that he feels Holyrood’s inquiry into his handling of  £11,000 bill for roaming charges on his parliament-issued iPad may become a distraction:

‘Throughout my time in government, I have always strived to do my absolute best for the people of Scotland, progressing legislation and policy to make Scotland a fairer and more prosperous place.

‘It is in the best interest of myself and government for me to now step down to ensure it does not become a distraction to taking forward the government’s agenda.’

The resignation comes on the day he was due to make a statement to the Scottish parliament on the impact of Scotland’s Minimum Unit Pricing policy on alcohol in which he was expected to announce an increase in the minimum unit price.

Accepting his resignation, the First Minister thanked Mr Matheson for all his work in government and writes that he agrees it is ‘best for you to now step down’.

Mr Yousaf says that Mr Matheson has ‘contributed greatly’ across his roles in government, adding:

‘I know your most recent role as Health Secretary is one that you have given your all. Under your watch a new 10 year Cancer Strategy has been developed and is being implemented, innovations like Hospital-at-Home are being rolled out further than ever before, and vital support staff like Link Workers have been protected.

‘One matter that should not be overlooked is that you secured a fair deal with our NHS Scotland Junior Doctors.’

It is unclear whether his successor will be announced today or if the First Minister will use the opportunity to undertake a wider reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Tuesday saw Scotland’s Drug and Alcohol minister, Elena Whitham announcing her resignation – citing struggles with post traumatic stress disorder.

Mr Matheson’s decision to leave comes as a parliamentary inquiry into his data roaming charges is reported to have been completed at the end of months of calls from opposition parties for the Cabinet Secretary to resign.

One of the leading voices in these calls, Jackie Baillie MSP has responded to today’s news:

“While I welcome the news that Michael Matheson has finally gone, the fact is the First Minister has big questions to answer over his lack of judgement.

“Now more than ever we need a health minister focused on the crisis at hand.”

Ms Baillie added that it is now “time for change”.

Having repeatedly called for economic change to support the health services and tackle health inequalities, in his letter to the First Minister Mr Matheson today restated his commitment to the health and care services, writing:

‘Over the course of the last year, I have sought to ensure that we support the NHS as it continues to recover from the pandemic. I have witnessed first-hand the outstanding work that goes one across NHS Scotland every day, led by staff dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients.

‘Our investment and engagement with NHS staff have also ensured that Scotland is the only part of the UK to avoid highly disruptive industrial action.

‘Given the growing demand our health service faces, the NHS requires major reform to ensure that we have a sustainable health service able to deliver the best possible care for patients.’

Despite the Cabinet Secretary’s resignation coming after less than a year in post for health and social care, he adds that he appreciates the support from Mr Yousaf in developing plans to take these reforms forward.

The Scottish government says the First Minister will appoint a new Cabinet Secretary ‘in due course’.

Read more: Briefing: Cabinet Secretary plans for health and care; Glasgow link workers protected for three years; First Minister urged to rethink social care pay rise; Urgent workforce reforms needed for Scotland's NHS; Questioning “fundamentally changed” NCS; Government to launch ‘conversation' on future NHS

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