Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is encouraging local people to input into a consultation on a proposed MSP Removal and Recall bill.

The bill, also known as Mackay’s Law, will allow for the dismissal of an MSP if they fail to take part in parliamentary proceedings for more than six months without a valid reason.

Mackay’s Law refers to former SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay who resigned from that role in February 2020 and continued to collect his salary until the May 2021 election, despite not turning up or voting in Parliament.

The Scottish Conservative MSP said:

“Voters rightly expect the highest levels of commitment and probity from their elected representatives, and should not be expected to pay the salaries of MSPs who fail to turn up to work.

“This bill, as well as removing MSPs who fail to take part in parliamentary proceedings, will also automatically remove from office any MSP sentenced to prison.

“As part of the process of getting the bill on the statute book, a consultation is being held which allows local voters to have their say.

“I very much hope as many people from the Highlands and Islands as possible will take part, and they can access the consultation by visiting www.parliament.scot/MSP-removal-from-office, with a closing deadline of 13 April 2022.”