Covid rulebreaker Margaret Ferrier loses appeal against Commons suspension

Disgraced MP Margaret Ferrier has lost an appeal to have her suspension from the Commons overturned for breaking covid rules.The decision means a pivotal by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West has moved a step closer.In a damning report, a panel concluded: "She acted with blatant and deliberate dishonest intent.

She acted with a high degree of recklessness to the public and to colleagues and staff at the House of Commons. She acted selfishly, putting her own interests above the public interest."Ferrier, who sits as an independent after losing the SNP whip, received a community payback order after she admitted travelling by train from London to Scotland following a positive covid test in 2020.A Westminster standards watchdog then recommended a 30 day suspension - a sanction she appealed.An appeal to parliament’s Independent Expert Panel has now been rejected.The report stated: "For the reasons set out in its decision, section 2 of this Report, the sub-panel dismissed Ms Ferrier’s appeal at the first stage of appeal, that, while the grounds fell broadly within the grounds of appeal as set out in the Procedural Protocol, none of the grounds had substance and the sanction imposed was neither unreasonable nor disproportionate."The panel concluded: "The Committee’s recommended sanction is upheld."Ferrier has not indicated any intention to stand down, but Westminster insiders believe a by-election is highly likely.If the suspension is agreed by a vote in the Commons, it would automatically trigger a recall petition, which if successful would see her sacked as an MP and an election in the seat called.Labour, who selected teacher Michael Shanks to fight any by-election, believes they can take a seat they last won in 2017.Fer