Recall and removal of MSPs - Sue Webber
As I promised in this column two weeks ago, I have tabled changes to proposed legislation which will ensure that any MSP jailed or given a community sentence alternative to imprisonment will automatically be dismissed.
My amendments to the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill will mean a by-election would be called immediately in the case of a constituency MSP, and for a regional MSP, the next candidate on the party’s list would step up.
I can’t understand why some members are apparently queasy at what seems like a straightforward measure. Some argue it’s not practical because we don’t ban people who have been jailed in the past, but I’m looking forward to hearing that and other such opposing arguments when the bill is debated this Tuesday.
My other change is to give the Presiding Officer, the Scottish Parliament’s equivalent of the Speaker, the discretion to decide if an MSP’s prolonged absence (over 180 days of neither attending in person or virtually) is acceptable or appropriate, just as the PO currently decides if an MSP can be represented by proxy.
Again, some MSPs seem strangely uncomfortable at the prospect of the PO ruling they should actually do what they are elected and paid to do and attend Parliament if they have no good reason to be absent.
We are voters’ representatives so when Parliament is sitting that’s where we should be, whether our actions have caused personal embarrassment or not. If you can’t bear to be there, you should be out.