Graham Simpson Proposes New Recall and Removal of Members Bill to Strengthen Accountability in Scottish Politics
Scottish Conservative MSP Graham Simpson has introduced a new bill aimed at increasing accountability and transparency within the Scottish Parliament. The Recall and Removal of Members Bill seeks to give voters the power to remove elected Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who have acted inappropriately or failed to represent the interests of their constituents.
The bill, introduced by Mr Simpson in the Scottish Parliament, would allow for the recall of MSPs in specific circumstances, including misconduct.
It would also enable the removal of MSPs who fail to attend the Parliament at least once every six months, unless they have a valid reason, and if they are jailed for six months or more.
Strengthening Accountability
Speaking on the introduction of the bill, Graham Simpson MSP said:
"It’s vital that the public have trust in their elected representatives. However, right now, the process for holding an MSP to account is insufficient, and there is no mechanism for voters to remove someone who is not fulfilling their duties. This bill aims to empower constituents and ensure that those who have been given the responsibility of representing them can be held to account when they fail to meet the high standards expected of them."
The bill’s provisions include:
- Recall Mechanism: Voters in a constituency or region would be able to trigger a recall process if their elected MSP is found guilty of serious misconduct or if their conduct in office is deemed unacceptable. The process would involve a petition and, if successful, a recall election would be called.
- Parliamentary Attendance: The bill outlines provisions for MSPs who fail to attend Parliament regularly without good reason and allows for removal in cases of persistent absence and unjustifiable absence”
- Imprisonment: automatic disqualification where an MSP receives a custodial sentence of six months to a year (at present the threshold for such disqualification is more than 12 months).
A Step Towards Greater Trust in Politics
Mr Simpson’s bill follows growing public demand for more transparency and accountability in politics, with many people feeling disconnected from their elected representatives. The proposal has received widespread support among those who believe the current system allows some politicians to remain in office despite failing to uphold their duties.
Mr Simpson said:
"It is time we had a system where elected representatives are answerable to their constituents if they fall below the standards we expect. The public should have the power to decide whether their MSP is fit to serve, especially if they’re not fulfilling their role in a responsible and effective manner. This bill is about restoring trust in the political system and ensuring that our democracy works for the people it serves."
Next Steps
The Recall and Removal of Members Bill will now go through the legislative process, including debate and scrutiny by the relevant parliamentary committee. If passed, it could bring about significant changes to the way MSPs are held accountable to the public.
Mr Simpson has called for cross-party support for the bill, arguing that improving accountability is not a party-political issue but one that is essential for restoring the public’s faith in Scotland’s democracy.
Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website
