Tory MSP Lumsden costs taxpayers £100,000 with 987 questions

Douglas Lumsden, a Tory MSP, faced heavy criticism after submitting nearly 1,000 questions to the Scottish Parliament, with accusations that this 'frivolous' inquiry spree cost taxpayers over £100,000. Questions included odd topics such as the height of flagpoles and the number of jars of honey sold, prompting SNP MSP Kevin Stewart to call for Lumsden to repay the expenses incurred. Critics, including Scottish Labour's finance spokesman Michael Marra, labeled the actions a 'flagrant abuse of taxpayers’ money,' suggesting the funds could have been better utilized to support healthcare. Lumsden denied using artificial intelligence for the questions but acknowledged he would review the necessity of such a high volume of inquiries. The controversy ignited discussions about the responsibilities of MSPs in managing public resources judiciously, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Opposition parties have emphasized the need for MSPs to maintain accountability without frivolous expenditures that burden the taxpayer.