Mike MacKenzie (politician)

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)

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.

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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