Ex-finance secretary Derek Mackay claimed rent expenses in July
Former finance secretary Derek Mackay claimed expenses for accommodation in Edinburgh in July - despite not being seen at the Scottish Parliament since he quit his ministerial post when it emerged he had sent a series of messages to a teenage boy.
Last updated 1st Oct 2020
Mr Mackay, who had previously been tipped as a possible successor to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, resigned his Scottish Government position in February after it was revealed he had sent hundreds of messages to the 16-year-old on Instagram and Facebook.
He has not been present at Holyrood since then, but it has now emerged he claimed expenses for accommodation in Edinburgh for 10 days in July.
Documents released by Holyrood under freedom of information laws show he claimed £327.10 to cover rent from July 5 to July 14.
Holyrood was formally in summer recess at that time, although the Scottish Parliament did sit on one of those days to hear a coronavirus update from Ms Sturgeon.
The cost of accommodation was included in six expenses claims made by Mr Mackay in July and August, which amounted to more than £1,800.
Mr Mackay remains the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West despite his resignation from the Government, which came just hours before he was due to present Holyrood's budget.
A spokesperson said: “The expenditure, which complies with Scottish Parliament allowance rules, covered the notice period and requirements of terminating the accommodation tenancy.
“Mr Mackay’s Renfrewshire North and West constituency office is continuing to operate remotely, in line with the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance, in dealing with casework and making representations on behalf of constituents.”
The Scottish Conservatives are pushing to change Holyrood rules so MSPs who do not attend Holyrood for six months are forced to stand down.
Tory MSP Graham Simpson said: "This is just the latest example of the shamed former finance secretary continuing to treat voters with contempt.
"His constituents will be appalled that he was claiming money for accommodation in Edinburgh despite not turning up to Parliament and working for them.
"It shows exactly why we need my Mackay's Law to be put into legislation in order to oust MSPs like him who shun their responsibilities to the public.''
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