A shamed Lanarkshire MP is being probed by the House of Commons watchdog over whether she damaged the reputation of Parliament.
Margaret Ferrier, who represents Rutherglen and Hamilton West as an independent, previously pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to breaking emergency COVID-19 laws when she travelled to and from London despite knowing she had coronavirus symptoms.
While in London, where she attended the House of Commons, the MP was informed she had tested positive for the virus and decided to travel back to her Cambuslang home, again using public transport.
She is now facing an inquiry from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, charged with "actions causing significant damage to the reputation of the House as a whole, or of its Members generally" and "conflict between private interests and the public interest".
Ms Ferrier has made no comment since her guilty plea in August, and has ignored cross-party calls to resign.
Scottish Labour business manager Neil Bibby told our sister paper the Daily Record : "It’s right that the Parliament investigates Margaret Ferrier’s dangerous actions, but it’s not too late for her to do the right thing herself.
"While this investigation is carried out, she must rethink her own position and consider stepping down as an MP. The people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserve a fresh start."
Should Ms Ferrier be found guilty by the standards watchdog, she could be forced to apologise to the Commons, or be referred to the Committee on Standards.
Ferrier was elected as an SNP politician but lost the party whip after her COVID actions came to light.
In August she was sentenced to carrying out 270 hours of community service as punishment for her actions.
Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull said she had "wilfully disregarded guidance" by not self-isolating after her test.
He added: "Your behaviour was deliberate and extended over a number of days.
"The gravity of harm that could have resulted from your actions could have been significant."
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