Should disgraced Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay stand down?

Derek Mackay, 42, fell from grace yesterday after he was forced to step down as Finance Secretary and suspended from the SNP when it emerged he bombarded a 16-year-old with more than 200 social media posts. 

The former Renfrewshire Council leader and long serving member of the party had been tipped to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister. 

READ MORE: Derek Mackay sent teenager late-night message 'while on winter break with boyfriend'

But, his career is on the brink of collapse amid calls from senior political figures for Mr Mackay to stand down as an MSP. 

Ms Sturgeon took swift action yesterday when The Scottish Sun broke the story and has promised her party will conduct a full investigation. 

Ms Sturgeon suspended Mr Mackay from the SNP, pending an investigation into his conduct

And Mr Mackay, who came out as gay in 2013, issued a full apology. 

He said: “I take full responsibility for my actions. I have behaved foolishly and I am truly sorry.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon 'banned shamed Derek Mackay from drinking at SNP conferences'

“I apologise unreservedly to the individual involved and his family." 

Now, The Gazette wants to know what Mr Mackay's constituents think. Should he resign as an MSP? Or, should he be allowed to stay in office? 

The Renfrewshire North and West MSP's remit includes the towns of Renfrew, Erskine, and Linwood, as well as the likes of Bishopton and Bridge of Weir. 

Mr Mackay is automatically entitled to a severance payment of £11,945 for losing office. 

The sum, which is paid by the Scottish Parliament, is a quarter of his ministerial salary.

Mr Mackay earned an extra £47,780 a year as a cabinet secretary, on top of his £63,579 basic salary as the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West.

Although he has lost his ministerial pay bump, he continues to receive his MSP salary. 

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