Swinney 'concerned' over Flynn missing by

Swinney 'concerned' over Flynn missing by-election for World Cup

John Swinney was "concerned" that Stephen Flynn wanted to be in the US for the World Cup on the day of the Aberdeen South by-election, it has emerged.

Flynn, the SNP's former Westminster leader, formally asked to attend the tournament on 26 May - less than three weeks after he was elected as an MSP.

E-mails released under Freedom of Information, first reported by the Daily Record, show that he intended to be absent from 18 to 27 June with plans for a junior Scottish government minister to provide cover.

The first minister's office replied to say that Swinney would approve the trip "on an exceptional basis although he is concerned Mr Flynn does not propose to be here on 18th June."

A Westminster by-election, triggered by Flynn, was held on that date but the SNP lost the seat to Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden.

The victory was the party's first by-election win in Scotland since 1973.

Flynn, who is now secretary for economy, tourism and transport, missed Scotland's first World Cup match in 28 years when Steve Clarke's side defeated Haiti in Boston on 14 June.

But he travelled to the US in time for Scotland's second group game against Morocco in Boston on 19 June, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

The Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine MSP was also in Miami to see the national side lose 3-0 to Brazil on 24 June.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "The first minister gave the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, permission to attend matches at the World Cup in a personal capacity."

Flynn previously travelled to Germany for Euro 2024 and met up with the first minister in Munich before the opening match against the hosts.

Swinney recently defended the use of more than £45,000 of public funds on business-class flights for him and two senior aides to the World Cup.

He flew to Boston on 11 June for Scotland's opening match, before taking part in trade talks in Kentucky three days later.

While he and two senior officials travelled business class, Sports Minister Maree Todd and several other officials went to the US on significantly cheaper economy-class flights.