Shamed Lanarkshire MP Margaret Ferrier could be recalled by her constituents after her guilty plea in court last week - but only if certain criteria are met.
The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP has faced further calls from across the political spectrum to quit her £84,144 role after she admitted to culpable and reckless conduct by travelling to and from London while having coronavirus symptoms in September 2020.
Ms Ferrier spoke in the Houses of Parliament despite knowing she was waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test.
After being told she had tested positive, she then travelled back to her home in Cambuslang in a further breach of guidelines at the time.
However, she has defiantly refused to stand down as MP since the incident, and since last week's verdict, Ms Ferrier has so far declined to offer any comment on the situation.
The politician, who took the Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat for the SNP in the 2019 general election but now sits as an independent, could face a vote by constituents to decide her fate, though only in certain circumstances.
If Ms Ferrier is sentenced to more than 12 months in jail she would be automatically disqualified, although that prospect appears unlikely.
Should the 61-year-old face jail time for under 12 months, a recall petition could be started, and if 10 per cent of her constituents signed it, a by-election would take place. Given the widespread anger her actions provoked, the 10 per cent figure would seemingly stand a good chance of success.
The recall petition could also be started if Ms Ferrier was suspended from the House of Commons for 10 days or more. She previously reported herself to Westminster's standards watchdog, and they could take action once the court action has finished.
The Recall of MP's act has been used on three previous occasions, two of which resulted in by-elections.
The area's former MP Ged Killen previously expressed interest in standing for Labour if any by-election was held, while controversial politician George Galloway also said he would consider standing.
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