As of today, Humza Yousaf faces two fundamental and related challenges: how to placate the voters over the Matheson clanjamfrie; and how to convince those same voters that his new Cabinet team will work effectively. Of the two, the challenge raised by Cabinet effectiveness is by far the more significant. Politics can be brutal and folk will swiftly forget Michael Matheson.
Quite rightly and inevitably, the public focus will revert to the issue of delivery. Most notably, on the health service and the economy. Still, it is fitting to offer at least a passing thought upon the resignation of the Health Secretary.
It has been said – not least in his own departure letter and the response from the First Minister – that he has sought to be a diligent and dedicated public servant. I would not demur from that. He has always struck me as being thoughtful and focused upon the task in hand, if faintly subdued.
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Senior Ministerial office brings long hours, endless challenges and, at best, qualified praise. Still, he had to go. Indeed, he should have quit before now.
It would seem at least likely that he received a hint with regard to the pending investigation by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body into his data roaming charges. Or he discerned the direction of travel.
Admittedly, the circumstances are somewhat bizarre. (It is to be hoped his sons enjoyed the match on costly global telly). But Mr Matheson dissembled, arguably to protect his family. From that moment, his departure........