The Scottish recall bill faces major challenges after a Holyrood committee demanded sweeping changes to its current proposals.
Reform MSP Graham Simpson introduced the Scottish recall bill to let voters remove Members of the Scottish Parliament through petitions. The plan mirrors the recall system used at Westminster, but the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee raised serious concerns about how it fits Scotland’s voting system.
The bill allows MSPs to lose their seats for criminal offences or missing Parliament for 180 days without valid reasons. However, the committee argued that automatic removal for lack of physical attendance ignores Holyrood’s hybrid setup.
Committee convener Martin Whitfield said Holyrood allows both physical and virtual participation, so attendance rules must reflect that reality. He urged Simpson to revise the clause and ensure it aligns with modern parliamentary practices.
Whitfield praised the bill’s aim to strengthen accountability but warned that its current form could undermine democratic fairness. “We welcome the intention,” he said. “However, the rules must fit Scotland’s regional and constituency balance.”
The committee also questioned the complexity and cost of recalling regional MSPs. Members asked Simpson to clarify how recall petitions would operate and how voters could sign them easily. They emphasised that clear guidance and fair access must underpin any recall process.
Additionally, the committee asked for more detail on how recall petitions would begin and how officials would manage them. Members agreed that transparency and consistent procedures are vital for public trust.
Calls for a recall system have grown since former finance secretary Derek Mackay’s 2020 scandal. He resigned after sending messages to a teenager but remained in Parliament until the following election, fuelling demands for reform.
At Westminster, recall petitions already removed MPs such as Peter Bone and Margaret Ferrier after misconduct cases. Supporters of reform believe Holyrood needs a similar mechanism, though Scotland’s mixed voting system adds extra challenges.
The Scottish recall bill now returns to further review as lawmakers debate accountability and the structure of hybrid governance. Simpson must rework the draft before Parliament considers it again.
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