RULE-BREAKING MP Margaret Ferrier has been accused of treating her constituents with contempt after announcing that she will not stand down for defying coronavirus measures.

Ms Ferrier, who was suspended by the SNP after travelling by train from London to Glasgow having tested positive for coronavirus, broke her silence today to state that she will not resign. 

The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP, who travelled to and spoke in the Commons despite displaying Covid-19 symptoms and while awaiting test results, claimed in the Sun on Sunday that she has received support locally after the incident and has “owned up and apologised profusely.”

Ms Ferrier said that having the infection caused her to “act out of character” and that she “panicked” when she received a positive test result before taking the 350-mile trip back to Scotland by train.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reiterated her view today that Ms Ferrier should leave her post. 

The SNP leader told Sky News that the breach was unacceptable and insisted she “couldn’t be clearer” that Ms Ferrier should “do the right thing” and resign.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said he is confident that a recall petition to have the MP removed would gather support. 

“Margaret Ferrier’s comments show she has learned nothing,” he said. “She is refusing to face up to her reckless, selfish and dangerous behaviour. 

“Her intention to cling on until the next election is treating her constituents with contempt. 

“Providing that she is suspended from the Commons for more than 10 sitting days, I have no doubt that a recall petition would gather more than enough support to trigger a by-election,” Mr Leonard said. An MP’s suspension for 10 sitting days, or 14 calendar days, can trigger such a petition under the Recall of MPs Act. 

Former Scottish Labour MP Ged Killen, who was beaten by Ms Ferrier in the 2019 election, slammed the MP’s “staggering arrogance” and said that she has lost the confidence of her constituents.

Mr Killen challenged Ms Ferrier to test her local support in a by-election. 

He wrote on social media: “Her refusal to allow the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West to choose a new MP in the name of self-preservation is an affront to democracy.

“Every day she remains in office undermines vital public health measures and confirms the concerns of those who are disillusioned and fed up with politics.”