Give voters power to sack dodgy MSPs
Scots Labour leader in plea over McDonald scandal
VOTERS should get the right to sack MSPs in the wake of the Mark McDonald harassment scandal, Richard Leonard claimed yesterday.
The Scottish Labour leader spoke out after McDonald quit the SNP on Tuesday over his admission that his behaviour to women had been out of order.
But he wants to cling on to his Aberdeen Donside seat – prompting fury from his former party colleagues.
Nicola Sturgeon has urged him to leave parliament. Other SNP MSPs worry that his presence will tarnish their party.
There is no legislation at Holyrood like Westminster’s Recall Act, which allows a by-election in circumstances such as suspension or a prison sentence.
Leonard said: “It is worthy of further examination, yes.
“The idea of members of parliament borrowing power from the people is a shining principle I embrace.
“The logical extension of that principle is that powers of recall should rest in the hands of the people.”
McDonald’s former party turned on him yesterday, after Sturgeon had condemned his behaviour.
One senior party figure said McDonald had always been seen as arrogant, with a reputation for being rude to younger female colleagues.
Others said he should quit parliament altogether.
There’s also concern about who McDonald will sit with in the debating chamber.
MP Kirsty Blackman, whose constituency overlaps McDonald’s, said: “As he has now resigned from the SNP he should also resign his parliamentary seat. His constituents should have the chance to make an informed choice about who will represent them at Holyrood.”
Ex-Aberdeen deputy provost John West said his conduct was unworthy.
On social media, West added: “He’ll keep taking the £££s though, because he’s a selfish, arrogant buffoon.”