FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf had a dig at Alex Cole-Hamilton in Holyrood after the Scottish LibDem leader tried to take part in a debate from outside the parliament bar.
Cole-Hamilton hit the headlines on Monday after reports that he had phoned into a Holyrood session remotely from outside Margo’s bar – less than 60 seconds walk from the chamber.
The Scottish LibDems declined to say if he had been drinking.
The Holyrood authorities have also refused to say if the LibDem MSP will face a probe for his actions, after calls for the presiding officer to seek “an explanation and potentially an apology”.
Deputy presiding officer Liam McArthur – another LibDem MSP – had been presiding during the incident and could be seen to shake his head and question what Cole-Hamilton had been saying.
On Thursday, the Scottish LibDem leader, who with just four MSPs in his group does not get an automatic question at FMQs, stood up to ask Humza Yousaf when the Cabinet would next meet.
The question is often submitted by Cole-Hamilton, as it gets him on the running order and allows him a chance to ask a follow-up.
After he asked his standard first question, an MSP could be heard to say “last orders”.
Yousaf then took his own jab at the LibDem boss.
“Can I say it’s great to see Alex Cole-Hamilton in the Holyrood chamber, presiding officer,” the SNP leader said.
There was laughter among MSPs as Cole-Hamilton stood up, but a malfunctioning microphone meant his full reply was not heard by the chamber.
On Wednesday, The National reported that Scottish Parliament authorities refused to say if any official complaints were made regarding Cole-Hamilton’s conduct in the Holyrood chamber, and if the presiding officer has the authority to investigate him.
Previously, the Scottish LibDem leader said of the incident: “I take the proceedings of parliament very seriously. My voting record speaks for itself in casting my ballot every time that I possibly can.
“MSPs regularly vote remotely and on this occasion, fewer than a third were present to vote in person.
“After decision time, I immediately sought out the deputy presiding officer to apologise for not arriving at the chamber in time.”
