THE fallout from the scandal over Derek Mackay’s texts to a schoolboy could lead to a change in law that would mean MSPs could be forced out of office.
The Liberal Democrats have said Holyrood should look at measures allowing action against MSPs guilty of “unacceptable conduct”.
The former finance secretary has been in hiding since details of his 270 inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old first emerged late last Wednesday night.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that she had no power to force Mackay to stand down as an MSP but said she was sure he would be considering his position.
Even though he has been suspended by his party and forced to resign as a minister, Holyrood’s rules mean Mackay could stay on as an MSP.
READ MORE: Labour attack Nicola Sturgeon for not sacking Derek Mackay
Willie Rennie said the Scottish Parliament should introduce recall powers similar to those introduced in Westminster after the expenses scandal.
If an MP is sanctioned by Commons authorities, or receives a custodial sentence, constituents can organise a recall petition. If 10% of or more sign the petition, then it automatically triggers a by-election.
Rennie said: “I want MSPs to know that serious and harmful behaviour could lead to the ultimate sanction of them losing their job.
“At the moment voters are helpless when faced with unacceptable conduct such as Derek Mackay using the offer of parliamentary receptions to try to befriend a teenager.”
Meanwhile, the First Minister also strongly denied claims she banned the Renfrewshire North and West MSP from drinking at the SNP party’s conference because of concerns over his behaviour.
Sturgeon said the claims were “completely and utterly without foundation”.
She told the BBC: “There is no truth in that whatsoever, and I think any attempt to suggest I somehow knew of behaviour of this nature is an attempt to smear.”
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