MSPs back recall system for Holyrood

The Scottish Parliament should introduce a recall system, a cross-party committee has said, but there are “fundamental issues” with the current proposal.

Reform MSP Graham Simpson has been taking through his member's bill which would establish a process by which an MSP could lose their seat if subject to a successful recall petition.

The parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, tasked with scrutinising the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill, has backed its general principles at stage one of the legislative process.

But it also sets out a number of issues with the proposal, including practical arrangements and the complexity and cost associated with recalling regional MSPs.

Convener Martin Whitfield said: “We have heard that at its heart, this bill has the integrity of the democratic process and the aim of improving accountability. 

“Whilst this is clearly to be welcomed, there are some fundamental changes which need to be made for the bill to achieve this aim.”

A recall system has been in place at Westminster since 2015. MPs can be recalled if they are convicted and sentenced, are suspended from the Commons for at least 10 sitting days, or are convicted of making false parliamentary allowances claims.

To date, six recall petitions have been held and four have been successful, including that which saw Margaret Ferrier ousted from her Hamilton and Rutherglen West seat in 2023 for breaching Covid rules.

However, due to the Scottish Parliament comprising both constituency and regional MSPs it is not possible to simply mirror the process. The committee said further thought was therefore needed about how recall would work for MSPs elected via a regional list.

The committee has recommended MSPs support the general principles of the bill, pointing to broad support for recall on the grounds of parliamentary sanctions or criminal offence. However, it added there were “fundamental issues that would need to be addressed” during the amending stages if it is to deliver its intended purpose.

The bill also seeks to create a rule that would remove MSPs who have not attended parliament for 180 days without a reasonable excuse. However, the committee was not convinced of this measure given the parliament has operated on a hybrid basis since 2020.

Simpson said he was “pleased” the committee was in favour of the bill, as it was about improving the standards of parliament and holding those in power to account.

He said: “I’ve always said I hope this legislation is never needed – but it must be there. The public deserves a parliament that is transparent, accountable and responsive.

“I’m grateful to the committee and all those who have evidence. I will reflect carefully on the recommendations and work constructively to strength the bill as it progresses.”

The stage one debate will take place next week.