Golden has experience in the waste and energy sectors, previously working for Ofgem and Consumer Focus as well as with Local Authorities advising on kerbside collections.

He was selected as the Conservative Party candidate in the Glenrothes by-election for the Westminster Parliament in 2008, securing third place as Labour retained the seat.

[1] Two years later Golden secured second place in Central Ayrshire with 8,934 votes[2] after standing in the 2010 UK General Election.

In 2016, Golden stood for the Scottish Parliament as the Conservative candidate for Clydebank and Milngavie where he trebled the vote although came third, then was elected from the West Scotland regional list.

[3] Golden was the Chief Whip and Business Manager, and Spokesperson for the Low Carbon Economy in the Parliament.