Our constituents deserve better
The news has been dominated over recent weeks by the actions of Margaret Ferrier and her neglect of the COVID-19 rules.
There has been strong anger throughout Rutherglen and Cambuslang that our local MP has ignored the lockdown restrictions we’ve all had to follow, leading to widespread calls for her resignation.
Before reading her remarks in the Scottish Sun last weekend, part of me felt sorry for Margaret Ferrier.
Over the last nine years, I have watched her rise from SNP and independence campaigner to constituency MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West - which is a significant personal and political achievement.
It is clear to me that her support for the SNP and the independence cause means a great deal to Margaret
Ferrier and that both play a very big part in her life.
As a result, it cannot be easy to contemplate the loss of your job and to see the withdrawal of political support from SNP party colleagues.
Ms Ferrier has had to deal with contracting COVID-19 and I do hope she recovers fully.
Furthermore, I feel sorry for her employees who now face a period of serious uncertainty and the sorry prospect of losing their jobs.
Her refusal to do the right thing has resulted in whatever remaining respect people had for her evaporating completely.
She has attempted to paint herself as a victim in this saga and it is an extremely tasteless response.
The pandemic has meant many of Ms Ferrier’s constituents will lose their jobs. Yet, she thinks she’s entitled to keep hold of her job - one which she knows is a position of privilege.
It looks as if she believes that there is one rule for her and another for everyone else.
This all leads to a position where Ms Ferrier has completely lost the trust and support of the public.
Constituents will be reluctant to seek her help on individual cases and she won’t be able to stand up in parliament and speak on issues relating to the local area with any credibility. If she does not choose to resign, it is clear that a recall petition will be on the cards. However, if Ms Ferrier truly believes she still has support locally, she should resign now and stand in a by-election. Margaret Ferrier has let down her constituents. Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserves better.