Derek Mackay (born 1977)[2] is a former Scottish politician who served as Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work from 2016 to 2020.

He was re-elected in 2003 and 2007 (for the new multi-member ward of Renfrew North in the latter) and became leader of Renfrewshire Council in May 2007, taking the SNP from opposition to lead the administration for the first time.

Upon his election as the constituency MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, he was placed on the Finance Committee and also appointed as the SNP's Business Convener and Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy Bruce Crawford MSP.

[citation needed] Following a mini-reshuffle Mackay replaced Aileen Campbell as Minister for Local Government and Planning on 7 December 2011.

[8] In June 2011, Mackay was appointed as the SNP's Business Convener (party chair), succeeding Bruce Crawford.

The paper defended its position, stating that Alan Muir, its Scottish editor, had read out the "most significant and damaging messages" to Sturgeon’s office in two 15-minute phone conversations.

Sturgeon announced he had been suspended from the SNP and she had accepted his resignation, recognising his "significant contribution to government" but admitting his behaviour "failed to meet the standards required".

[16] It subsequently announced that it had reviewed the case and that Mackay would not face any charges, as no laws had been broken, with 16 being the age of consent in Scotland.

[21] He was the Honorary Vice President of the Battalion for Paisley and District Boys' Brigade,[22] until being sacked from the position following his resignation scandal.