Scottish Labour Leader Eyes Recall Petition in Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has expressed confidence in gathering sufficient support for a recall petition that could trigger a by-election in Margaret Ferrier’s constituency if she is banned from the Commons for 10 days or more.
Mr Sarwar highlighted the “potential” for a by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, the seat currently held by Ferrier, who was elected as an SNP MP in 2019. Following her suspension from the party for breaching Covid regulations—specifically speaking in the House of Commons while positive for the virus and travelling between Scotland and England—her political future is now uncertain.
Having already been sentenced to a 270-hour community payback order for recklessly exposing the public to the risk of infection, Ferrier faces further consequences. The Commons Standards Committee has recommended she be suspended for 30 days, and a suspension of 10 days or more could initiate the recall process, requiring 10% of constituents to sign a petition.
Sarwar noted that despite the Covid breaches occurring in 2020, there remains “plenty of anger” within the local community regarding Ferrier’s actions. He stated, “Quite clearly, there is the potential for a recall petition and a realistic hope of there being a by-election,” emphasizing the community’s desire for representation from someone who genuinely supports their interests.
He said, “There’s plenty of anger and frustration, and people realising they have a local MP who broke the law and hasn’t been there fighting their corner.” Sarwar conveyed his determination for Labour to provide the community with an MP who is “on their side,” while also acknowledging the need for hard work to achieve this goal.
Sarwar challenged other political parties to engage in the process, urging them to “get out there, get the signatures in and let’s elect a local champion that is on the side of local people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.”
SNP leader Humza Yousaf has indicated that he would welcome a by-election in the constituency but acknowledged the effort required for his party to retain the seat. He reiterated that Ferrier should have resigned due to her “reckless action” and expressed confidence in the SNP’s track record in the region.
Ferrier has appealed the proposed 30-day suspension, with the matter now under review by an independent expert panel, which is responsible for considering appeals against decisions made by the Committee on Standards regarding MPs’ conduct.
