Q&A: Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution

Derek Mackay - Image credit: Holyrood

How does it feel going into see the FM amid a reshuffle?

Derek Mackay: Nerve-wracking. You don’t know what you will be doing – a shift up, down or sideways, and having served as minister for local government & planning then transport & islands and now finance & constitution, each move comes as a surprise. No matter how confident you might feel, that disappears as soon as Bute House comes into view and instead this strange experience of going for a job interview, without knowing what role you are being asked to fill takes over. Then you realise that the First Minister has already determined the outcome of the chat and when you leave the room, that’s you – get started.

I enjoyed transport – it really is a 24/7 job and you see your life flash before your eyes but it’s incredibly rewarding. I was naturally curious as to who was succeeding me as it’s a challenging portfolio but one that really improves your skillset as a minister. I remember the first big press conference on the Forth Road Bridge closure. So much was in play, the repairs, the response, the transport plan, and parliament. Having come through that and the intense pressure that came with it, I knew I would be stronger for it in the long run.

There had been much speculation about which brief you might get, were you surprised and how did you react?

DM: I was surprised, as I didn’t really see the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, in any role other than finance. So whilst I heard speculation about the economy role, or education, and based on my transport experience, possibly infrastructure, it was just that – speculation. Nothing is guaranteed in a reshuffle. However, when I realised on the day that the government car was taking me to Bute House after John, I knew it was a significant shift. I was truly honoured to be asked, and I’m sure the First Minister detected my surprise.

Taking over from John Swinney in the finance role must be quite daunting, have you asked him for any advice?

DM: John Swinney was an excellent finance minister, widely respected and is also a thoroughly decent and kind man, so of course, I regularly turn to him for advice. With many years in the role, his wise counsel is invaluable. I had served as junior minister to John previously and had carried out related work such as the transformation of the civil service. We also worked closely during resilience matters when I was transport minister. However, the one thing about the Cabinet is that it is a team effort – we’re all now settled in our new roles and working as a team with our understanding of each other’s roles and collective objectives.

John Swinney was usually described as being like a bank manager, a safe pair of hands, how would you want to be described in the finance role?

DM: John is a first-class politician, first and foremost. As for me, that will be for others to judge in time, but positively I hope!

What skills do you think you bring to the role?

DM: Having served in public office for 17 years, I believe I have experience, as a council leader, MSP and minister. I have worked to modernise and reform the public sector and balanced the books in tough times, showing the ability to take difficult decisions. I am also highly driven to do the right thing, and to make a difference. I enjoy finding solutions and challenging process to get the best outcome, and I believe I cope well in a crisis – I’ve have had one or two test runs! I am committed to public service and remain as energetic as I was when I first joined the SNP at 16.

What are the biggest challenges facing your brief?

DM: The biggest challenge is the ongoing weaker economic environment, and the UK Brexit vote has made that much more difficult. I have been astonished at the chaos in UK Government, and subsequent slowness to deal with the situation, which is in stark contrast to the approach we have taken to protect Scotland’s positive relationship with the EU. Both sides of the brief, finance and the constitutional element, will be even busier, but the clear leadership of Nicola Sturgeon stands in sharp contrast to her UK counterparts.

Is there any portfolio you would have least liked

DM: I wouldn’t dare say, but I’m very happy in this brief.

You take over the constitutional responsibility at a time of great uncertainty in terms of our relationship with the EU, never mind the UK, what will be your approach?

DM: I passionately believe in Scottish Independence, that’s no surprise, but in pursuing that, I am pragmatic and constructive about how we get there. An inclusive style, based on competence and clarity is my approach. I often challenge process, and can’t stand bureaucracy for its own sake, so staying focused on the desired outcome is what drives me.

Did John Swinney leave you a note in a drawer saying ‘there is no money left’?

DM: We had plenty to speak about, but there was no such note. However, what he did leave was a selection of reading material – last year’s budget, the government economic strategy, fiscal framework and core brief – as my introduction to the portfolio. Light reading it was not!

How much pocket money did you get as a child and what did you do with it?

DM: I vaguely recall 50p a week, and have no doubt it went on sweets, hence the dental fillings. My spending choices now are far wiser, of course…but I still enjoy a bit of chocolate every now and then.