SNP Minister Faces Backlash Over £11,000 Artist Commission

A newly appointed Scottish National Party (SNP) minister is facing criticism for hiring an artist-in-residence for her constituency office, a move opponents have labeled as the creation of "propaganda" using public funds. Public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad is allocating £11,000 of taxpayer money for a four-month contract with a painter, sculptor, or musician.

The artist, to be based in Ms. Goodlad's Shetland constituency office, will be tasked with exploring her policy priorities and producing materials to convey her aims to the public and media, as well as to local schools. The role is open to artists of any discipline residing in Shetland.

Reform MSP Max Bannerman, representing the Highlands and Islands, criticized the move, stating, "Barely in the job and Hannah Mary Goodlad is already finding creative ways to splurge public money. The minister in charge of Scotland’s finances wants £11,000 of taxpayers’ cash to paint over SNP failure with propaganda art." He urged her to focus instead on Scotland's reported £5 billion fiscal deficit.

An arts industry source expressed astonishment, calling the role "essentially advertising for a propagandist" and questioning the use of taxpayer funds. The source added, "No artist worth their salt would do something like this, but it also feels like misuse of taxpayers’ money."

Ms. Goodlad, who was elected in May and appointed minister by John Swinney, has stated her commitment to a "responsible approach" and prioritizing frontline services in her role overseeing public finances. She is also advertising for a part-time staff member to translate press releases into the Shetland dialect for £12,800 annually.

Recently, Ms. Goodlad acknowledged the need to find £1.5 billion in efficiencies through "workforce reform and changes to how services are delivered." However, she has also been vocal in advocating for Scottish independence, attributing Scotland's financial challenges to policies enacted by the Westminster government.

"Since becoming an MSP and a minister, my belief in self-governance has grown even stronger," Ms. Goodlad said last month. "As my colleagues and I work to improve the lives of the people of Scotland, whether it be in energy, immigration, the ability to borrow, the ability to invest in capital projects, tax reform and employment law, we find our hands tied due to these powers being retained by the Westminster government."

The SNP faces a projected £5 billion deficit by 2030, with welfare spending expected to rise to £9.2 billion by the same year, a 24% increase from the current £7.4 billion.

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative culture and public service reform spokesman, commented, "Shetland families are being hammered by rising fuel bills and the cost of living, yet Hannah Mary Goodlad thinks this is a good use of public money. The SNP are completely out of touch."

Benjamin Elks of the TaxPayers' Alliance described the initiative as "beyond parody" and "little more than taxpayer-funded political self-indulgence."

In response, Ms. Goodlad stated, "The arts, our language and culture are important to me as Shetland’s MSP. A vital role of an MSP is to communicate effectively and inclusively with constituents. There are many ways in which to fulfil that role beyond traditional expectations."