Nicola Sturgeon has 'made clear' to disgraced Margaret Ferrier that she should step down as an MP.
The First Minister spoke to the SNP MP on Friday morning following revelations that she had travelled on public transport to London while infected with coronavirus.
Ms Ferrier had been experiencing symptoms over the weekend and was tested before she travelled from Glasgow to London to speak at Parliament on Monday.
She then received confirmation that she was positive for coronavirus and returned to Glasgow on public transport on Tuesday.
Nicola Sturgeon said on social media that she had made the request for the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West to step down 'with a heavy heart'.
She added: "I’ve spoken to Margaret Ferrier and made clear my view that she should step down as an MP. I did so with a heavy heart - she is a friend & colleague - but her actions were dangerous & indefensible.
"I have no power to force an MP to resign but I hope she will do the right thing."
SNP leader Ian Blackford suspended the whip from Ms Ferrier on Thursday after the allegations came to light.
In a statement, Ms Ferrier said: "I apologise unreservedly for breaching Covid-19 restrictions by travelling this week when I shouldn't have. There is no excuse for my actions."
The politician has contacted Police Scotland regarding her behaviour and the circumstances surrounding her travel is now being 'looked into'.
Members of all political parties have condemned the MP for her actions.
SNP MP for Glasgow East David Linden described Ferrier's behaviour as "indefensible" on BBC Question Time.
He said: "I've got to say I'm pretty furious with the behaviour of Margaret Ferrier MP... It's utterly inexcusable and it's right that she lost the whip for that."
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman said: "I agree with David Linden. Margaret Ferrier must resign. Both David and Margaret are unparalleled campaigners for our party but in this circumstance David is right. Margaret’s actions cannot be overlooked."
