Derek Mackay

As it happened: Budget and Mackay resignation

Got a TV Licence?

You need one to watch live TV on any channel or device, and BBC programmes on iPlayer. It’s the law.

Find out more
I don’t have a TV Licence.

Live Reporting

Craig Hutchison and Louise Wilson

All times stated are UK

  1. That's all from BBC Holyrood Live

    Mr Mackay
    Copyright: Reuters
    Image caption: The first minister confirmed Mr Mackay has been suspended from the SNP

    That's all from BBC Scotland's Holyrood Live on Thursday 6 February, on what has been an extraordinary day in Scottish politics.

    Scotland's finance secretary quit hours before delivering the Scottish budget amid reports that he messaged a 16-year-old boy on social media.

    The Scottish Sun said that Derek Mackay contacted the schoolboy over a six-month period, and told him that he was "cute".

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed Mr Mackay has been suspended by the SNP while further investigations are carried out.

    She says she did not know about the "unacceptable" behaviour until Wednesday evening.

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes
    Copyright: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
    Image caption: Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes delivers the budget

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes took on the task of setting out the government's tax and spend plans for the next year.

    Ms Forbes confirmed there will be no change to income tax rates. She also committed to extra funding to health, education and investment aimed at tackling the "climate emergency".

    The Scottish Parliament now enters recess, though Ms Forbes is expected to appear before the finance committee next Wednesday 12 February to discuss the budget in detail.

  3. Scottish Budget: No change to income tax announced on day Derek Mackay quits

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes
    Copyright: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
    Image caption: Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes had to step into the breach after Derek Mackay resigned on budget day

    There will be no changes to income tax rates in Scotland in the coming year, the government has announced.

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes set out the budget in the place of Derek Mackay, who resigned as finance secretary on Thursday morning.

    She announced that tax rates will not increase, although the threshold where the upper rates kick in will be frozen.

    And she committed extra funding to health, education and investment aimed at tackling the "climate emergency".

  5. Analysis: Mackay resignation 'a calamity' for government

    Brian Taylor

    BBC Scotland Political Editor

    Mr Mackay was tipped as a successor to Nicola Sturgeon
    Copyright: Getty Images
    Image caption: Mr Mackay was tipped as a successor to Nicola Sturgeon

    This is a calamity, without caveat, for Derek Mackay, for the SNP, for the first minister and for the collective Scottish government.

    One must also express sympathy for the youth who apparently received unwarranted and unwanted attention, together with his family.

    To recap,the Sun newspaper has reportedthat Mr Mackay allegedly sent some 270 messages to a 16-year-old boy. Among those contacts, he is said to have called him "cute".

    Mr Mackay has now quit as finance secretary - on the very day he wasdue to deliver his Scottish budget. Rival parties say he should also quit as an MSP.

  6. Why was Kate Forbes delivering the budget? Here's the story...

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes stepped in to deliver the budget
    Copyright: PA Media
    Image caption: Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes stepped in to deliver the budget

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes set out the budget in the place of Derek Mackay, who resigned as finance secretary on Thursday morning.

    Scotland's finance secretary quit hours before delivering his budget amid reports that he messaged a 16-year-old boy on social media.

    The Scottish Sun said that Derek Mackay contacted the schoolboy over a six-month period, and told him that he was "cute".

    Mr Mackay said he had "behaved foolishly" and took full responsibility for his actions.

    He also apologised "unreservedly" to the boy and his family.

    Read more here.

    Mr Mackay had been widely tipped as a future first minister
    Copyright: Reuters
    Image caption: Mr Mackay had been widely tipped as a future first minister

  7. Income tax rates for 2020/21

    Scottish Rates of Income Tax - 2020/21
    Copyright: Scottish government/BBC

  12. Budget: Funding proposals for health, councils and education

    Funding proposals in the budget include:

    • more than £15bn for health and care services
    • £117m of investment in mental health support
    • a real-terms increase in revenue funding for councils
    • £180m for closing the attainment gap in schools
    • £270m for rail services
    • a 60% boost in funding to reduce harm from alcohol and drugs

  14. Post update

    Income tax and money
    Copyright: Scottish government/Getty Images

  15. NEWS SUMMARY: No changes to tax rates in Scottish budget

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes stepped in to deliver the budget
    Copyright: PA Media
    Image caption: Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes stepped in to deliver the budget

    There will be no changes to income tax rates in Scotland in the coming year, the government has announced.

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes set out the budget in the place of Derek Mackay, who resigned as finance secretary on Thursday morning.

    She announced that tax rates will not increase, although the threshold where the upper rates kick in will be frozen.

    And she committed extra funding to health, education and investment aimed at tackling the "climate emergency".

  18. What happens next in the Scottish budgetary process? Here's the timetable...

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes
    Copyright: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes has delivered an assured performance in outlining the Scottish government's budget plans. However there is a long way to go...

    • Wednesday 12 February - Who will now appear before the finance committee? Kate Forbes is a good bet after today.
    • Week beginning 17 February – subject committees to take evidence from ministers.
    • Week beginning 24 February – committee conveners debate.
    • Thursday 27 February – Budget Stage 1 debate in the chamber.
    • Wednesday 4 March – Budget Stage 2 consideration at Finance and Constitution Committee.
    • Thursday 5 March - Budget Stage 3 debate and the all important vote – in the chamber.
    • Wednesday 11 March – Chancellor Sajid Javid delivers the UK budget at Westminster.
Page 1 of 8
Navigate to the last page
Back to top