Margaret Ferrier 'must not be allowed back into SNP Westminster fold'

The SNP is being urged to provide an assurance that Margaret Ferrier will not be readmitted to the party fold at Westminster after it emerged she won't quit as an MP.

Margaret Ferrier says she won't stand down as MP

The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP has been suspended by the SNP group at Westminster after undertaking an 800-mile trip to Westminster while infected with Covid-19, but remains a member of the party.

Nicola Sturgeon has said she does not have the power to expel Ms Ferrier from the party and that due process must be followed before such a step is undertaken.

Labour leader Richard Leonard today called for an assurance that the MP will not be allowed back into the SNP fold in the Commons.

“By refusing to expel Margaret Ferrier from the SNP, Nicola Sturgeon is leaving open the possibility that this disgraced MP could return to the fold, Mr Leonard said.“The SNP leadership has form on this. Having disowned and suspended Neale Hanvey for antisemitic comments on social media, Nicola Sturgeon and Ian Blackford then waited for a quiet moment to re-admit him once he had been elected as an independent. Who is to say they will not try the same approach with Margaret Ferrier?

“Now Margaret Ferrier has confirmed she has no intention of resigning, Nicola Sturgeon must confirm she will not allow her to sit as an SNP representative again.”

Ms Sturgeon has led the calls for Ms Ferrier to resign as an MP over her Covid trip last month. Ms Ferrier could face a recall if she is suspended by the Commons for a fortnight.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director