MARGARET Ferrier, the formerly SNP MP who broke Covid laws, has appealed a recommendation that she be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days.
It is not clear the grounds on which Ferrier is basing her appeal, which was lodged on the same day as the deadline.
The Standards Committee had recommended the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West be suspended for 30 days after she knowingly travelled from England to Scotland while positive for Covid-19.
If MPs approve a suspension of 10 days or longer, there is a possibility of a by-election. It would be triggered if 10% of Ferrier’s constituents – around 8000 people – signed a petition ending her time as their MP.
Scottish Labour are eager to see such a by-election happen, because they are confident the seat is winnable for them. But Ferrier’s appeal means any vote will be pushed back. It is unlikely to happen until August at the very earliest, and could be as late as this winter.
Ferrier’s appeal was lodged on Monday, with the Independent Expert Panel (IEP) writing to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to notify him.
Stephen Irwin, the chair of the IEP, wrote: “I write in relation to the Committee on Standards’ Ninth Report to the House, Margaret Ferrier, HC 1276, published on 30 March; and pursuant to paragraph 88 of the Procedural Protocol in respect of the Code of Conduct that requires me to notify you whether Margaret Ferrier has appealed the Committee’s decision to the Independent Expert Panel.
“I can confirm that Margaret Ferrier has submitted an appeal.”
Ferrier has already been given a 270-hour community payback order by a court after admitting culpably and recklessly exposing the public “to the risk of infection, illness and death”.
There has never been a by-election in Scotland after a recall petition.
Ferrier has been asked for comment.
