Aberdeen’s globe-trotting depute provost has called for a shake-up of foreign travel policy to make MSPs and government officials fly economy class and help the public purse.
John Reynolds, who has previously faced criticism for his overseas trips, said politicians could not only save tax-payers’ money, but also learn something by sitting next to “ordinary” people.
The independent ward councillor for Bridge of Don said he had searched for low-cost flights for all of his civic visits over the years, and believes others should follow suit.
He has tabled a motion to a full council meeting next week, calling on his fellow elected members for support in urging a change in policy from the Scottish Government.
Mr Reynolds believes MSPs – barring the first minister and her cabinet – as well as civil servants, should all opt for cheaper tickets where possible.
He said: “The travel that is done is basically funded by the taxpayer. It has been brought to my attention, by small to medium business people in the north-east, that when they go on trade missions abroad, it angers them to see politicians sitting in business or first class while those that effectively pay their wages are stuck in economy.
“I have always gone economy myself, in fact I developed a reputation for finding the cheapest fares, and when you do, you are talking to ordinary people that you are serving. In business class, that does not happen.
“Civil servants and MSPs should be going at the most economical rate for the public purse, they will be able to talk to people at the chalk face.
“I am asking the Scottish Government to change the policy, and hopefully I will get some support. I think it would be something that taxpayers would support.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said MSPs flew economy class on flights of less than five hours.
He added that business class may only be used if economy class was unavailable for the required journey or if a business class fare was available more cheaply than an economy fare.
Parliamentary rules state that business class may be used for flights with more than five hours continuous flying on intercontinental flights.
The full council meeting takes place on Wednesday, December 17.