Brian Whittle MSP is encouraging everyone to share their views on proposals for a Removal and Recall bill in the Scottish Parliament.
South Scotland MSP Brian is backing the bill which is being put forward by his Scottish Conservative colleague Graham Simpson MSP.
The plans will allow the dismissal of an MSP if they fail to take part in proceedings at Holyrood for more than six months without a valid reason.
Brian is also backing plans in the bill that would guarantee the automatic removal from office of any MSP convicted of a crime that results in a prison sentence, regardless of its length.
Brian hopes as many people as possible will respond to the consultation on the parliament’s website (www.parliament.scot/MSP-removal-from-office) before the consultation closes on the 13th of April.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“I’m proud to support my colleague Graham Simpson’s bill.
While almost every MSP enters politics for the right reasons and works hard to serve their constituents, there have been some cases where members have not carried out their duties and fallen short of what people expect of them.
This bill will address that and ensure that MSPs who fail to fulfil their parliamentary duties without good reason or commit a crime that comes with a prison sentence can be removed.
Taxpayers across South Scotland should not be paying an MSP who fails to carry out their duties in Holyrood, nor should they be left without representation if their MSP is sent to prison.
I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to show their support for the bill or offer suggestions through the consultation over the next few months. I’ll also be encouraging MSPs from all parties to support these common sense plans.”
