Derek Mackay continued to claim expenses months after last appearance in parliament

Former finance secretary Derek Mackay continued to claim expenses for accommodation in Edinburgh despite not having taken part in Parliamentary proceedings since February.

The BBC reports that Mackay, who stood down after admitting to sending hundreds of messages to a 16-year-old boy on social media, claimed £327.10 for 10 days rent on an Edinburgh flat.

Mackay is now an independent MSP, having been suspended from the SNP while under a party investigation.

Current MSPs are entitled to claim what’s known as an Edinburgh accommodation provision.

But Mackay has faced criticism from opposition parties for not having been seen in parliament since he stood down. 

Records for all the money Mackay may have claimed in the months after his resignation are not yet available.

In February Mackay admitted to his actions and resigned after The Sun newspaper published a story on the morning the Scottish Budget was to be delivered. 

He said at that time that he takes “full responsibility” and apologised for behaving “foolishly”.

The status of an internal SNP disciplinary investigation into Mackay’s actions is not known. 

A part selection contest for a candidate to replace him as the MSP for Renfreshire North and West in next year’s Holyrood election is underway.