Disgraced Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier Ousted as Voters Trigger By-Election

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Summary:

  • Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier ousted after breaking Covid laws and exposing the public to risk.
  • Nearly 12,000 voters signed a recall petition leading to her expulsion from the SNP.
  • Scottish Labour views the by-election as an excellent opportunity to gain a seat.
  • The SNP faced further issues with a Police Scotland probe into party finances and high-profile arrests.
  • The by-election date will be set when Parliament resumes in September.

A disgraced former MP who was convicted of breaking Covid laws has been dramatically kicked out, setting up a battle for Labour in Scotland. Margaret Ferrier was booted out of the SNP after her September 2020 trip came to light. Ms Ferrier took a Covid test in Scotland because she was feeling unwell, but this didn't stop her travelling to London before the result came back. She spoke in Parliament while waiting for the result and then took a train home to Glasgow to avoid self-isolating in a London hotel for two weeks, despite knowing that she had the virus. Nearly 12,000 voters signed a recall petition after MPs backed a 30-day suspension for Ms Ferrier. The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West admitted at Glasgow Sheriff Court last year that she had exposed the public to the risk of infection, illness, and death, and was ordered to do 270 hours of community service. But she ignored calls to resign as an MP even after the SNP withdrew the party whip in October 2020.


The seat is viewed as eminently winnable by Scottish Labour. Labour is desperate to capitalize on collapsing public support for the SNP, which was rocked by a Police Scotland probe into party finances. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, her husband, ex-Chief Executive Peter Murrell, and former Treasurer Colin Beattie have been arrested during the ongoing investigation. The date for the by-election will be set when Parliament resumes in September.


The by-election triggered by the ousting of Margaret Ferrier promises to be a significant political event in Scotland, as Labour sees an opportunity to regain lost ground amid the SNP's troubles. It remains to be seen how voters will respond to the scandal and what impact it will have on the political landscape in the region.

Location: London, UK

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