Derek Mackay resigns after allegedly sending messages to boy, 16

Derek Mackay is resigning as Finance Secretary after being accused of sending messages to a 16-year-old boy.

Derek Mackay has apologised and resigned from his position as Finance Secretary. Picture: TSPL

In a statement he said: "I take full responsibility for my actions. I have behaved foolishly and I am truly sorry.

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

"I spoke last night with the First Minister and tendered my resignation with immediate effect.

"Serving in government has been a huge privilege and I am sorry to have let colleagues and supporters down."The father-of-two stepped down just hours before he was due to announce the Scottish Budget for 2020-21.

The Scottish Sun reported Mr Mackay befriended the teenager on Facebook and Instagram and sent him 270 messages.

In one message he is alleged to have asked "And our chats are between us?" and when the boy agreed, the minister told him: "Cool, then to be honest I think you are really cute."

The newspaper alleges he contacted the teenager over a six-month period, and offered to take him to a rugby game and out to dinner.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she has accepted Mr Mackay's resignation, and said public finance minister Kate Forbes will now deliver the Budget statement instead.