FORMER SNP MP Maragaret Ferrier has lost an appeal to have her Commons suspension overturned.
The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP - who sits as an independent after losing the SNP whip - broke Covid rules in 2020 by travelling on a train from London to Scotland having tested positive.
She also spoke in Parliament while awaiting the results of a test.
A Westminster standards watchdog recommended she be banned from the Commons for 30 days. Ferrier appealed the suspension but his has now been rejected by an independent expert panel.
The panel stated there was “no substance” in the grounds of the appeal.
The Commons is still to vote on the suspension but if it is approved, Ferrier's consituents will be asked if they wish to remove her as an MP by means of a recall petition - triggered when an MP is suspended for 10 days or more.
No date has been set for the Commons vote to take place.
If 10% of the electorate in Rutherglen and Hamilton West say she should go, a by-election will be held.
Labour have already announced Michael Shanks as their candiate for the potential election.
First Minister Humza Yousaf (above) meanwhile rejected a slate of local SNP candidate having been reportedly unimpressed by those who had come forward.
The SNP have a majority of 5230 in the seat but it is thought Labour could claim it back having previously held it before Ferrier.
Ferrier was sentenced to 270 hours community service at Glasgow Sheriff Court last year after pleading guilty to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct.
