For MSPS guilty of misconduct

down as an MSP, after a damning party report found he pestered women with unwanted attention Holyrood should be able to expel him. But as at Westminster, an MSP can only be expelled if they have been sent to prison for more than a year.

That said, Westminster did eventually change its rules following the expenses scandal. If an MP is convicted for less than a year or has their membership of the House suspended for a while, their constituents can now attempt to have them removed. If 10 per cent of the registered voters in the MP’S seat sign a petition calling for a by-election, the seat is declared vacant, and the MP either has to contest the byelection or stand down.

However, there is no equivalent provision at Holyrood. But even if there were they would not, as yet at least, apply to Mr Mcdonald. The only body that has investigated his behaviour is the SNP. He has not been disciplined at Holyrood.