A RECALL petition in ex-SNP MP’s Margaret Ferrier’s constituency is due to close on Monday.
It was launched after Ferrier breached coronavirus rules in 2020 when she travelled by train from London to Scotland after testing positive for the virus.
She then had the SNP whip removed when the allegations emerged, but remains an independent MP.
Her suspension from the House of Commons earlier this year triggered a recall petition which could potentially result in Ferrier losing her seat.
Here's what you need to know.
What happens next?
If the recall petition is signed by 10% or more of the constituents in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, then Ferrier will be removed from her seat and a by-election will be triggered.
South Lanarkshire Council will begin counting votes on Tuesday and if the 10% threshold is reached, the petition officer informs the Speaker of the House of Commons.
On the giving of that notice, the seat becomes vacant and a by-election is then required.
How many people need to sign the petition?
In total, 8113 people out of 81,124 need to sign the petition.
The timing of a UK Parliament by-election is determined by custom of the House of Commons – the party that previously held the seat will usually decide when to trigger the by-election.
Could Margaret Ferrier stand again?
If the 10% is reached, Ferrier could still stand to be an MP again. However, she would not stand for the SNP with the party already announcing councillor Katy Loudon as their candidate.
There is also the possibility that the recall petition fails in which case Ferrier would retain her seat and the next vote in the constituency would not take place until the next General Election.
