Resign and hand back your £12k, Mackay is told
Fresh anger as MSP breaks cover
DISGRACED Derek Mackay was last night facing renewed calls to resign as an MSP and hand back his £12,000 ‘golden goodbye’ for quitting as a Minister.
The former finance secretary, once tipped as a possible SNP leader, was seen near his home in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, last week after months away from the public spotlight.
Political opponents insist he must stop taking taxpayers’ cash while failing to attend parliament and represent constituents.
Mr Mackay, 42, quit in February only hours before unveiling the Budget, after it emerged he had bombarded a 16-year-old boy with 270 online messages.
He was suspended from the SNP, but did not quit as an MSP.
However, despite not appearing at the Scottish parliament for three months, and not holding any constituency surgeries, he remains as an independent MSP, representing Renfrewshire North and West.
He receives an annual salary of £64,470 and is now due to pick up a severance payment of £11,945, the equivalent of three months of a Minister’s salary.
If he continues as an MSP until next year’s Holyrood elections, he will be entitled to a £50,000 resettlement grant.
Scottish Tory deputy leader Annie Wells said: ‘Since Mr Mackay resigned in disgrace, he hasn’t represented his constituents, nor has he been to the Scottish parliament.
‘Taxpayers are absolutely right to question why he would receive his wage in full, despite doing no work.
‘Derek Mackay must resign as an MSP, and he should forfeit the £12,000 golden goodbye he received as a result of his misconduct.’
Scottish Labour said there must be a by-election for the seat, as soon as it is possible to do so. Neil Bibby, Labour MSP for the West of Scotland, said: ‘Like many people in Renfrewshire, I don’t believe it is right Mr Mackay is to receive his payout, given his behaviour.
‘The people of Renfrewshire North and West should get the opportunity to elect a new MSP they can trust, as soon as this [coronavirus] crisis is over and it is safe to do so.’
After Mr Mackay emerged in shorts and trainers at his home on Wednesday, the SNP issued a statement, saying: ‘Derek Mackay is no longer a member of the Scottish Government, and is suspended from the SNP.
‘It would be inappropriate to comment while the disciplinary process is under way.’
Mr Mackay contacted the 16-yearold boy via social media and then bombarded him with messages. He invited him to a Scottish parliament reception and even called him ‘cute’.
Police Scotland did investigate but have since indicated he will not face any criminal charges.
Mr Mackay did not respond to attempts to contact him yesterday.
‘I don’t believe it is right he is to receive a payout’