THE SNP's newest MP was sworn into Westminster today but ran into an issue during the official ceremony.
Anum Qaisar-Javed won a by-election last week for the Airdrie and Shotts constituency after its former SNP MP, Neil Gray, stepped down to stand for election at Holyrood.
The result of the by-election was announced in the earlier hours of Friday and Qaisar-Javed was sworn in on Monday. However, she ran into an issue when signing her name.
After taking the parliamentary oath, the new MP signed the "Test Roll" which confirms new members will follow the oath.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SNP's newest MP Anum Qaisar-Javed goes from teacher to class subject
However, halfway through her signature, Qaisar-Javed's pen ran out of ink.
Yes, my pen ran out of ink IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SIGNATURE 😭
— Anum Qaisar-Javed MP (@AnumQaisarJaved) May 17, 2021
She was luckily able to pull a pen from the desk in front of her to finish signing the declaration.
In a post on Twitter, the 28-year-old former modern studies teacher said: "Delighted to have been sworn in today as @theSNP MP for Airdrie and Shotts.
"I will be getting straight to work on behalf of my constituents and making the case for an independent Scotland.
"I’m also due to make my maiden speech soon, so a busy week ahead."
She then added: "Yes, my pen ran out of ink IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SIGNATURE."
After posting the video, she was congratulated on becoming the newest SNP MP by some of her colleagues.
Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, said: "Well done @AnumQaisarJaved. We are all looking forward to working with you. I'll bring extra pens."
Well done @AnumQaisarJaved. We are all looking forward to working with you. I'll bring extra pens 😉 https://t.co/wjTZugheYn
— Drew Hendry MP #ScotlandsChoice (@drewhendrySNP) May 17, 2021
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "Congratulations @AnumQaisarJaved - so proud of you."
Congratulations @AnumQaisarJaved - so proud of you 💛 https://t.co/Wb6BQ8jyGb
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 17, 2021
And the former presiding officer of Holyrood, Tricia Marwick added: "Your clicky pen didn’t work! Congratulation Anum, we have known each other for a long time. I am proud of you and I know your family are so proud of you too. All the very best."
Your clicky pen didn’t work! Congratulation Anum, we have known each other for a long time. I am proud of you and I know your family are so proud of you too. All the very best xx https://t.co/KOykqUwmbo
— Tricia Marwick (@TriciaMarwick) May 17, 2021
In a statement released by the SNP, Qaiser-Javed said: “I am delighted to have been sworn in today as the MP for Airdrie and Shotts. I hope this moment is a source of encouragement for other young women and people from all minority groups to get involved in politics and to ensure Parliament is reflective of our diverse society.
“I will be getting straight to work on behalf of my constituents who have placed their trust in me and tackling the issues that matter to them.
“The Covid pandemic has exposed the deep inequalities that exist in our society and my priority will be working to ensure that my constituents have the support they need to get through this crisis.
"And, once the crisis is over, people in Scotland will have the right to determine our own future in a referendum. I will be campaigning for Scotland to become an independent country, so we can make the changes needed to secure a strong, fair and equal recovery."
Qaiser-Javed's election came just over a week after the SNP were elected to lead the Scottish Government in Holyrood with 64 of 129 seats.
The SNP have 45 seats at Westminster and are the third-largest party in the House of Commons.
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