Shamed MP Margaret Ferrier's breach of Covid rules have been deemed "inexcusable" as local politicians speak out following her guilty plea this week.
On Thursday, The Rutherglen and Hamilton West representative admitted putting people's lives at risk by travelling to Westminster by train despite knowing she was displaying coronavirus symptoms in 2020.
Ms Ferrier should have self-isolated while waiting for test results, but instead travelled to London, spoke in Parliament and dined with another MP before learning she had tested positive. She then travelled back to her Cambuslang home.
The resulting fallout saw Ms Ferrier condemned across the political divide, and be suspended by the SNP.
However, she has continually refused to resign, and currently sits in Parliament as an independent.
Now, representatives across Lanarkshire are again calling for the former SNP politician to step down following Thursday's court appearance.
Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley told Lanarkshire Live : "I said at the time that Margaret's actions were inexcusable and that she should consider her position. My view on that has not changed."
And Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon added: “Margaret Ferrier must finally do the right thing and resign immediately. The people of Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Blantyre and Hamilton West deserve better.
“Instead of protecting her constituents and the wider public, the disgraced MP put them at risk and then refused to accept responsibility.
“Ferrier has finally pleaded guilty to breaching Covid-19 rules, but only after clinging on to her seat and salary for almost two years.
“As a lawbreaker, Ferrier’s position as a lawmaker is completely untenable.
“Her behaviour and refusal to do the right thing at every opportunity has been a continuing insult and embarrassment to her constituents in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
“As we attempt to recover from the pandemic and face this cost of living crisis, it’s time for Margaret Ferrier to step aside and allow her constituents to have an MP who will put them first.”
Sentence was deferred for Ms Ferrier pending background reports by Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull until next month.
Meanwhile, Tory MSP Graham Simpson accused Ferrier of having a “brass neck” for failing to resign when charges were first brought against her.
He said: “Margaret Ferrier’s actions at the height of the pandemic were reckless and indefensible.
“Over the near two years since her actions were exposed, Margaret Ferrier has shamefully refused to do the right thing and resign as a MP.
“She has had the brass neck to return and participate in Parliamentary proceedings.”
And Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton added: “Margaret Ferrier has made herself a pantomime villain in her own community and across the country after she recklessly endangered the public.”
Lanarkshire Live approached the First Minister for comment however Nicola Sturgeon's office has advised she will not be commenting until she is sentenced next month, but told her comments made previously still stand.
Ms Sturgeon previously called Ms Ferrier's actions "utterly indefensible".
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