Scotland finance minister inappropriate messages to 16 year old?

[anicebag]

He allegedly sent texts to 16 year old boy saying he was cute and inviting him out to a day out. Is this inappropriate? How would we feel if it was a 16 year old girl? He announces Scotland's new budget today.

Meant to add if true I think it's sleazy as fuck. 16 is still a child really.

If it’s true then of course it’s inappropriate.

270 texts over six months according to Twitter

Pretty shocking if true. There does seem to be a lack of discipline amongst certain SNP elected representatives - not a good look.

I'm not an SNP supporter but I am a huge admirer of Nicola Sturgeon. I can't fathom why she appears to tolerate this. In fact, at times she seems to have the key perpetrators on a pedestal.

Ditto OllyB. I'm very interested to see what she does with this. It's not hard is it? Don't solicit young people under 18 or vulnerable people. A particular type of person can stomach being in politics (you could argue they're not the type we actually need) but the number one thing about them Is that they should recognise the imbalance of power that brings and act appropriately. If they've such a blind spot- how can we trust him? He's 42 not 72 so he bloody knows.

Totally inappropriate.

Wrong. He needs to resign.

He’s resigned apparently.

Good, glad he’s resigned. I also hope he gets spoken to by the police.

That's positive then. A zero tolerance to sleaze is required. I hope she addresses it generally even if he is swept under the carpet.

Given all the nanny state stuff that goes on I wonder why we've never had what is sexual consent drive and campaigns directed at the adult population not to approach under 18's. Eg. 30 year olds hitting on 16 year olds is not a good look". I think it could save many mental health difficulties (and costs) in future.

It’s just been reported he’s resigned.
So he apparently was favourite for next first minister and he thinks it’s ok to groom a teenager. Is it just me joining the dots ?

Bertha I think his behaviour should be damaging to the party- it will be interesting to see if anyone else comes forward. The Salmond trial could bring the party into further disrepute IF rumours re who knew what when are true. That said, there is a section of SNP supporters who will no doubt claim all innocence and blame everything on a conspiracy akin to vote miscounting in the referendum and secret oil reserves.
Those in positions of power, elected to represent people, for whatever party need to be leading by example.

I will never understand men

I know what you mean yogalite. But this sleaze fest also has a tinpot dictator do what you like protected bubble feel. I've no doubt the size of Scotland allows greater scrutiny and this shit goes on in abundance elsewhere. I just expect so much better and the better I expect is not extraordinary.

There's deception at the heart of the SNP

Always wonder why at some point the thought 'what could go wrong with this' crosses the mind. he was going to take him to an event etc.

It’s sexual predatory behaviour he was grooming this boy - a child

Inappropriate messaging makes it sound less serious that between adults let’s call it what it is sexual grooming of a child and his statement plays it down even more apparently he has taken full responsibility for his foolish actions he should be taking full responsibility for trying to groom a child

He's resigned. Was supposed to be delivering budget today.
So a right stooshie.
Totally lacking in judgement, manners, political awareness.

Although the age of consent in Scotland is 16 it comes across as grooming, having said that I haven't seen all the messages

Definitely attempted sexual grooming of a 16 year old boy.
Vile behaviour.
Heard an interview with a journalist from The National on 5 Live this morning.
Total shock apparently, Mackay tipped to take over from Sturgeon.
Journalist keen to point out that this won’t affect Sturgeon or success of SNP.
Mackay dealt with quickly and effectively. Nothing to see here tone.
Unless I missed it, no mention of the boy in question, distress caused.
Minimise, minimise.

In a separate matter, what qualifications did this guy have to be Finance Minister?
He seems to have dropped out of a Shipping Management course ( oh, the irony given the ferry fiasco) and I can’t see what else he’s done.
Where is all the Scottish political talent ?

Derxa? Is that a specific deception you speak of (the type that taxi drivers love to spout on about) or is it general? Makes you wonder why she would tolerate "foolishness" in the same sentence as I'm a sexual groomer.

PickUp the answer to your question is zero I believe. Dropped out of a finance degree.

Lack of talent is very worrying. Where are all the decent, experienced, responsible politicians who want to do right by the electorate?!? All I see are the disingenuous, the fools, the outright liars and the narcissists.

Did he just resign from the SNP front bench though, or as an MSP? Imo it should be the latter.

Beep Where are all the decent, experienced, responsible politicians who want to do right by the electorate?!? Thinking that in the age of social media and trial by Twatter, that the game isn't worth the candle.

I just dont understand why these men do it. Wouldnt you think, in his position, "I've got a top job, a reputation, opportunities, masses to lose so, no, I wont groom a teenager with the offer of trips to the rugby".

Not saying that if you have nothing to lose it would be a good thing to do either!

There must be some kind of "I'm untouchable" feeling going on.

I can’t fathom it - a man in his 40s grooming a 16 year old. We can only be glad that the boy had the sense not to meet him.

I can only think the thrill of being exposed must be part of the appeal in this sordid business