By Richard Wood
The confirmation of a by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West following a recall petition demonstrates the case for a recall mechanism for MSPs.
The by-election, which will be held some point after parliament returns from summer recess, is the first to take place in Scotland under the Recall of MPs Act (2015). The most recent Westminster by-election to take place in Scotland was in Airdrie & Shotts in May 2021 when the SNP’s Neil Gray switched from Westminster to Holyrood.
The by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West got the go ahead from constituents following over 10% of them signing a recall petition after sitting MP Margaret Ferrier was suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days.
READ MORE: Scotland’s STV council elections show England a better way of doing local democracy
The Recall of MPs Act (2015) empowers constituents to kick out suspsended MPs, with appropriate checks and balances to ensure it doesn’t become a political tool.
The ability to recall MPs in certain circumstances puts powers in the hands of constituents, allowing MPs to be held accountable for their actions.
The Scottish Parliament must follow Westminster’s lead and introduce a Recall of MSPs act to strengthen accountability in Scottish democracy.
READ MORE: 5 reasons to support the Removal from Office and Recall Bill
The upcoming by-election looks set to be a heated contest between Labour and the SNP. A win for Labour would be hailed as a resurgent moment for the party in Scotland.
Photo credit: Roger Harris – https://members.parliament.uk/member/4386/portrait (CC BY 3.0)
upgradeholyrood.com 