Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Politics
Chris McCall

Margaret Ferrier blasted as shamed MP visits business to 'share her thoughts and hopes'

Margaret Ferrier has been blasted after the shamed MP was pictured speaking with businesses while a recall petition is open to remove her from office.

The member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West will lose her seat if more than 8,113 registered voters sign in favour of her removal by July 31.

Ferrier, who was elected as an SNP MP, has sat as an independent since she was found to have broken strict coronavirus rules in 2020.

She has refused to resign her seat despite being suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days after authorities upheld complaints against her.

But Ferrier appeared unconcerned about the recall petition on a recent visit to the Rutherglen Exchange Shopping Centre.

In a message shared on the centre's Facebook profile, staff said they were "thankful to spend some time chatting this morning with Margaret Ferrier on new products and services coming to Rutherglen Exchange and see the progress of our local retailers.

"Margaret was keen to share her thoughts and hopes for the local community with our centre management team."

But the upbeat message went down badly with several locals who were quick to share their disapproval in the comments.

One said: "She has some nerve. Just trying to boost herself before she gets boosted out."

Another responded: "She should share her hopes and thoughts by accepting her P45."

While one commented: "Strange how she's out and about now that the petition is on the go for signing."

A by-election will take place in Rutherglen and Hamilton West later this year if the recall petition is succesful.

In a statement last week, Ferrier urged constituents not to sign it.

She said: "I do not have any desire or need to play into party politics, which inevitably distracts from constituency issues and the needs of local residents.

“While parties have already spent months arguing about their candidates for a by-election that has not even been confirmed, they have disregarded the very real issues faced by many in our community.

"If you wish to see me continue as your MP, then do not sign the petition paper."

Speaking on a campaign visit to Rutherglen this week, Labour shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth blasted Ferrier for refusing to resign.

"This area effectively hasn't had an MP for two years," he said.

"Maragret Ferrier is essentially treating people with contempt by refusing to resign. She should do the decent thing and get on with it."

The MP was found to have travelled from Scotland to Westminster after testing for Covid in September 2020 and went on to speak in the House of Commons while waiting for the results.

After the test confirmed she was positive for the virus the MP still decided to take the train back to Scotland.

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.

READ MORE:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.