Matheson iPad probe findings due in January

The investigation aims to determine whether an improper claim was made by the health secretary on parliamentary resources and whether he failed to abide by parliament's policies.

Early findings of an investigation into the health secretary's £11,000 data roaming bill will be given to him in January, Holyrood officials have said.

The charge, initially paid out of the public purse, was racked up on Michael Matheson's parliamentary iPad during a holiday to Morocco almost a year ago.

Last month Mr Matheson admitted that his sons had used data from the device to watch football.

He has since paid back the bill in full and apologised.

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The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) - which is in charge of Holyrood's finances - is investigating whether an improper claim was made by Mr Matheson on parliamentary resources and whether he failed to abide by parliament's policies.

It wants to give the MSP two weeks to submit written evidence to their inquiry and a further two weeks to review their draft conclusions when these have been reached in January.

Repeated calls have been made for Mr Matheson to resign, with opposition politicians pointing to his claim to journalists that there had been no personal use of the device.

The health secretary previously said his initial denial was a "genuine attempt" to try to shield his family and said he welcomed the inquiry and would co-operate.

The SPCB could refer Mr Matheson to the parliament's standards committee.

It could also recommend the removal of Mr Matheson's entitlement to reimbursement of expenses.

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said it was "disappointing" that the report would not be given until the new year.

He said: "Mr Matheson should have been dismissed weeks ago for his lies and cover-up. But we now face the prospect of him clinging on to his post into February at least - leaving our NHS saddled with a distracted health secretary during the winter crisis the SNP has created."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: "The Scottish Parliament's investigation into this scandal will take until next year - but Humza Yousaf can act now.

"Michael Matheson has been caught red handed lying to the public - he must go now."