Michael Matheson has refused to stand down as an MSP after the First Minister claimed the process which recommended he is barred from the Scottish Parliament for 27 days was "prejudiced".Pressure had been growing in the hours since Holyrood's Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee published its verdict against the former health secretary on Thursday morning, which also included a recommendation to strip him of his salary for 54 days - with both sanctions to be voted on by MSPs.S

Michael Matheson has refused to stand down as an MSP after the First Minister claimed the process which recommended he is barred from the Scottish Parliament for 27 days was "prejudiced".Pressure had been growing in the hours since Holyrood's Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee published its verdict against the former health secretary on Thursday morning, which also included a recommendation to strip him of his salary for 54 days - with both sanctions to be voted on by MSPs.Speaking to journalists after First Minister's Questions, Mr Matheson - who was investigated by the committee after attempting to cover a near-£11,000 data roaming bill incurred during a Moroccan holiday on expenses and office costs - hit out at the process.