John Swinney is being urged to appear before the Scottish Parliament and set out the full details of his proposed public sector reforms following questions over potential job losses and financial savings.

Scottish Conservative public service reform spokesman Murdo Fraser made the call on Monday, 7 September, following the First Minister’s appearance on the BBC’s Sunday Show.

The Conservatives say Swinney was asked four times how many jobs could be lost through the proposed reforms but did not provide a figure.

They also say he was questioned three times about the financial savings expected from the changes without giving a clear figure.

The criticism follows the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, which includes plans to reduce the number of health boards in Scotland from 14 to two.

Fraser is now calling for Swinney to make a statement at Holyrood and face questions from MSPs about what the reforms will mean for public services, employment and government spending.

Scottish Conservative public service reform spokesman Murdo Fraser MSP said:

“John Swinney cannot answer basic questions about his proposed public sector reforms that he was so keen to talk up last week.

“His performance on the BBC was a masterclass in evasion.

“He couldn’t say how many jobs will be lost or what savings will be involved.

“Swinney must urgently come to Parliament and make a statement that finally gives full details on exactly what his reforms will mean for Scotland.

“The current proposals look like they have been written on the back of a fag packet and Swinney must open himself up to scrutiny from MSPs on reforms that would have huge changes for the public sector.

“We welcome any plans to reduce the public sector which is bloated and inefficient under the SNP.

“But the shocking lack of detail and refusal to answer basic questions raises serious doubts about whether Swinney has the stomach for the fight or even has a clue about what he wants to do.

“It is time for him to finally show he is serious about tackling the £5billion blackhole his party have created in Scotland’s finances and that starts by coming to Parliament and giving MSPs and Scots the full details on his changes.”