Mike MacKenzie (politician)

Michael William Frederick MacKenzie (born 18 November 1958) is a Scottish politician. He is a former Scottish National Party (SNP) Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Highlands and Islands region from 2011 to 2016.

Mike MacKenzie
Member of the Scottish Parliament
for Highlands and Islands
In office
May 2011 – May 2016
Personal details
Born18 November 1958
Oban, Scotland
Political partyAlba[1]
Other political
affiliations
SNP (2011-2016)

Early life

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Mackenzie was born on 18 November 1958 in Oban.[2] He was educated at Allan Glen's School.[2]

Personal life

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MacKenzie and his family live on the small slate island of Easdale which is home to around 60 people.[3][4] MacKenzie is married to Lynn, a teacher,[5] and they have a son.[6]

Political career

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Mike MacKenzie was elected on behalf of the Scottish National Party as a Member of the Scottish Parliament
for Highlands and Islands in May 2011.

He was unsuccessful in being re-elected during the 2016 Scottish Parliament election.

In June 2021 he defected from the SNP to the Alba Party.[7]

Controversies

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In May 2011, MacKenzie was chastised by a sheriff for going to a "pre-induction" meeting for new SNP MSPs instead of appearing in court to face allegations that he has failed to pay a £4,000 electricians bill while director of Mike MacKenzie builders.[8] In July 2011, MacKenzie lost the court case.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Gordon, Tom (6 June 2021). "Former MSP Mike MacKenzie is latest SNP defector to Alex Salmond's Alba party conference". The Herald. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Current MSPs: Mike Mackenzie". Scottish Parliament. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  3. ^ Colin Cameron (27 May 2011). "Argyll Msps Hit The Headlines". dunoon-observer.com. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  4. ^ "Easdale: an island that's not easily slated | News | The Hour | STV Programmes". programmes.stv.tv. 6 April 2010. Archived from the original on 5 January 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  5. ^ Ross, David; Paterson, Steward (8 February 2008). "'Many islanders have small boats, but we still rely on the ferrymen'". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  6. ^ "Congratulations "Wee Mike"!". www.easdalepeople.org.uk. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  7. ^ Gordon, Tom (6 June 2021). "Former MSP Mike MacKenzie is latest SNP defector to Alex Salmond's Alba party". The Herald. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  8. ^ "SNP MSP is chastised by sheriff". The Scotsman. Johnston Press. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  9. ^ Campbell, Rita (21 July 2011). "Article – MSP loses battle over disputed £4,000 bill". Press and Journal. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
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