SNP health secretary caught buying Oasis tickets during Alzheimer"s meeting

During a recent meeting focused on Alzheimer's research, Health Secretary Neil Gray was criticized for attempting to purchase tickets for an Oasis concert. This incident occurred at a party conference fringe event organized by St Andrews University, where prominent medical academics discussed advancements in dementia care. Despite the serious nature of the meeting, Gray's comments about being in an online queue for tickets drew backlash, especially given the context of over 90,000 individuals in Scotland suffering from dementia. Gray's remarks, which included a joke referencing an Oasis song, were perceived as disrespectful by many, including Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who condemned the behavior as indicative of the SNP's approach to healthcare. The incident raised concerns about the focus and priorities of government officials, particularly in light of ongoing challenges within the NHS. In response to the criticism, Gray later emphasized his commitment to NHS reform and rebuilding efforts post-COVID. However, the juxtaposition of his actions during a serious discussion on brain health with his personal interests sparked further debate about the appropriateness of such behavior in a professional setting. The incident also highlighted broader issues regarding the use of electronic devices by politicians, as Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth suggested that MSPs should model better behavior for students. This situation reflects ongoing tensions within Scottish politics regarding accountability and the public's expectations of their elected officials.