An SNP MP has hailed a decision by Commons authorities to finally allow members a proxy vote if they are suffering from ill-health.
Amy Callaghan suffered a stroke in June 2020 at the age of 28 just months after being elected to serve the East Dunbartonshire constituency.
As revealed in the Record, she made the decision to return to Westminster in February despite doctors advising her to continue resting.
MPs have now agreed to widen an existing proxy voting system which will allow those suffering from ill-health to contribute to proceedings without having to travel to London.
Callaghan said it was a "small but mighty change" which would support both members and their constituents.
MPs who were unable to attend parliament due to ill health could previously only enter a pairing arrangement - where a member from an opposing party would agree not to vote.
The new formalised proxy voting system will allow MPs to nominate a colleague to vote on their behalf if they are experiencing significant and sustained ill health.
This brings Westminster into line with other workplaces which have a legal duty to explore reasonable adjustments to allow people to continue working through ill health or disability.
Callaghan said: "I’m thrilled that we’ve succeeded in getting a proxy voting system introduced into Westminster - but it was a damn site more difficult than it should have been.
"Proxy voting worked well during lockdown and as soon as it was removed, I was put in the ridiculous position of defying doctors’ orders, to do my job representing my constituents.
"I’m delighted that no other MP will face that battle in future, with a common-sense system now in place.
"However, there is still work to be done. Too many people, in all lines of work, face massive hurdles in returning to work following periods of ill health.
"Legislation needs tightened up and people need extra protections to make sure they are supported as much as possible.
"So, I’ll take this win, but I’m clear more change is needed."
The Commons operated a proxy voting system during Covid lockdowns. It was subsequently removed and meant MPs who suffer ill health being unable to participate in parliamentary proceedings or vote on legislation.
Callaghan caused one of the biggest upsets of the 2019 general election when she defeated the Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson to win the East Dunbartonshire constituency.
Footage of Nicola Sturgeon celebrating the breaking news of Callaghan's win while at the Glasgow election count subsequently went viral.
The young MP quickly made her mark in the Commons but her life was upended in June 2020 when she collapsed alone at home.
After months of rehabilitation she made a return to politics in March last year when she asked a virtual question during a debate on education.
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