Labour leader calls for disgraced Derek Mackay to resign as MSP

Eddie Devine has revealed councillors will submit a motion calling for the SNP man to resign when Renfrewshire Council meets later this month. 

It follows revelations in The Scottish Sun the Renfrewshire North and West MSP bombarded a 16-year-old with more than 200 social media posts. 

Mr Mackay has already been forced to resign as Finance Secretary - one of the most senior positions in the Scottish Government - and has faced growing pressure to stand down as an MSP. 

READ MORE: Pressure mounts on Derek Mackay to stand down over schoolboy messages

Devine, who is a councillor for Paisley Southeast, told The Gazette: "We think he is unfit for office and to remain as MSP for Renfrewshire North and West. 

"All of the councillors within Labour support this, including those in Renfrew, and we believe others will join us but it is up to them to comment.

"It is especially not acceptable conduct for a senior member of the SNP." 

The motion, which will be introduced by Mr Devine and fellow Labour councillor Jim Sheridan, reads: "Renfrewshire councillors believe Derek Mackay should resign with immediate effect as MSP for Renfrewshire North and West.

"He is unfit for office."

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

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

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

Mr Devine's call is the first from a senior councillor in Renfrewshire and The Gazette understands the motion will receive cross-party support. 

As of writing, Mr Mackay has not appeared in public since falling from grace last week and it remains unclear whether or not he will resign of his own accord. 

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