Nicola Sturgeon calls on Margaret Ferrier to step down as an MP

Nicola Sturgeon has called on Margaret Ferrier to step down as an MP.

Ferrier has admitted travelling to London on Monday to attend parliament while she was waiting for the results of a coronavirus test after experiencing possible symptoms over the weekend.

The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP then travelled back to Glasgow by train on Tuesday after receiving positive test results on Monday confirming she did have COVID-19.

Ferrier had the whip removed by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford on Thursday night after details of her actions emerged and she has also been suspended by the SNP.

The party has no power to make her stand down as an MP, but Sturgeon has asked her to resign, calling her actions “dangerous and indefensible”.

The SNP leader tweeted: “I’ve spoken to Margaret Ferrier and made clear my view that she should step down as an MP.

“I did so with a heavy heart – she is a friend & colleague – but her actions were dangerous and indefensible.

“I have no power to force an MP to resign but I hope she will do the right thing.”

At Westminster on Monday, Ferrier took part in a debate about COVID-19.

She had previously called for Dominic Cummings to resign after he was found to have travelled from London to Durham while possibly infected with coronavirus.