Disgraced ex-SNP MP Margaret Ferrier faces suspension over Covid rule breach

A disgraced former SNP MP faces the end of her political career after the Standards Committee recommended suspending her from Parliament for 30 sitting days.

Margaret Ferrier, who now sits as an independent, was found to have failed to "lead by example" and showed a "lack of honesty" after she ignored orders to self-isolate in September 2020.

The suggested 30-day sanction - which will now be voted on by MPs - means Ms Ferrier's constituents now have the opportunity to oust her.

A law passed after the expenses scandal means anyone suspended from the Commons for more than 10 days faces a recall petition.

If 10 per cent of electors in her Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat sign this, a by-election will be called. Ms Ferrier has a majority of just 5,230 and Labour will be confident after recent polling showed it had closed the gap on the SNP in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon's downfall.

In a damning report, Daniel Greenberg, the Standards Commissioner, concluded Ms Nolan had committed "significant breaches" in relation to five of the seven Nolan Principles of Public Life - selflessness, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Ms Ferrier admitted to Mr Greenberg she had "made an error in judgment", but insisted: "I do not believe that I placed my personal interest above the public interest during the period in question."

Ms Ferrier was spared jail for the breaches last year, but given community service. Brian McConnachie, her lawyer, said last year she had "convinced herself" her Covid test would be negative and that there would be no danger, telling a court there was "uncontrolled panic" when it came back positive.

More to come.