GREATER Glasgow has overwhelmingly insisted that constituents should be allowed to 'sack' MPs - on the same day disgraced Margaret Ferrier bullishly said she would not stand down.
The city has wasted little time in telling the Rutherglen and Hamilton West woman that her spell in parliament is up as she continues to cling onto her seat.
Under present rules, an MP can only be ousted by constituents in a recall petition.
READ MORE: Sturgeon renews calls for Margaret Ferrier to resign after Covid scandal
However, this can only be done under certain circumstances and cannot be instigated by people within a politician's seat. When enforced, 10% of all eligible voters in the constituency must sign the petition for it to be implemented.
With widespread calls for Ms Ferrier to go, we asked our readers if they would like to see that constituents could 'sack' an MP. They overwhelmingly backed such a move.
Michelle Thomson, referring to Ms Ferrier, wrote: "She should be sacked. She intentionally put people's lives at risk going to shops, chapel etc don’t forget public transport."
Julie Jules agreed, writing: "Should be allowed vote of no confidence for sure. She certainly doesn't have an interest in other lives."
Billy Thomson wrote: "Sack her. Her only intentions were to get expenses from parliament at the expense of putting others in danger."
Ann Marie Grainger Aitken said: "If you're not up to the job and continue to make mistakes...great idea."
Kirsty McCreadie wrote: "Yes, just because she's an MP doesn't give her the right to go against guidelines. If people like her are not following the guidelines, then it's people like her that should be punished for it."
Clare McGrath wrote: "Definitely, aye! If the MP has done something that warrants them being sacked."
Liz Oliver added: Yes, if they can’t represent the people who voted for them, what use are they!"
Iain Kinnear said: "Anyone else would lose their job for gross misconduct. The same rules need to be applied to MPs. Ridiculous that she is still in the position and being paid."
Marie McKay referred back to the Dominic Cummings scandal and said: "Yes she [Ferrier] should resign but I wonder why Dominic Cummings still has his well paid job, I know he's not an elected official but still?"
Jojo Owen wrote: "Absolutely. I certainly do not want Margaret Ferrier as my MP. She is a disgrace.
"She hasn’t done her party any favours either. Rutherglen and Hamilton West will not forgive or forget!"
Darren Greenidge said: "The whole political system needs changing!"
Others pointed out you already can oust an MP. However, as noted, this cannot be done without other external factors.
READ MORE: Margaret Ferrier will not resign after Covid train scandal
Fraser Law said: "There is a recall process for Westminster MPs, so she can be ousted by her constituents! No such protection in the case of MSPs mind you!"
In an interview with the Scottish Sun today, Ms Ferrier said: "You feel you are getting a lot of criticism from people you thought were your colleagues or friends who’d understand it was an error of judgment. I’m not denying that.
“People may be saying, ‘You should have known better, you’re a public figure’. But at the end of the day it still hurts.
“You then think about all that hard work and dedication – is that just wiped away?”
Only two MPs have been successfully recalled since parliament passed legislation in 2015 to allow it.
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