The ‘Mackay’s Law’ bill is being put forward by Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, and will allow for the dismissal of MSPs who fail to take part in parliamentary proceedings for more than six months without a valid reason.

Currently, unless an MSP chooses to resign, there are no levers in place for constituents to remove them. This issue was recently highlighted when former SNP member, Derek Mackay, continued to collect an MSP salary for 15 months after resigning in disgrace from his position as finance secretary.

‘Mackay’s Law’ would bring the Scottish Parliament in line with local authorities who already have this rule in place for councillors.

The bill would also ensure the automatic removal from office of any MSP sentenced to a prison term regardless of the length of sentence.

Mr Simpson, said: “This is the last chance for Scots to have their say on whether MSPs who fail to carry out their duties should still get a taxpayer paycheque.

“The vast majority of MSPs enter politics to serve their constituents to the best of their ability – but, as the case of Derek Mackay highlighted, in all parties there may be members who have abused their position or failed to meet the high standards expected of them.

“This bill will provide the levers to remove them from office and ensure that Scottish taxpayers are never again left paying for an empty seat in Holyrood.

“I believe this is a common-sense law that will give the Scottish public the power to remove their representatives for wrongdoing – but I also want to hear your views. So far, we have received an encouraging number of responses to our consultation, but I would urge any Scots who haven’t yet responded to share their views on the bill.

“In that way, we can make sure that the bill we put forward to the Scottish Parliament fully represents the needs and priorities of Scottish constituents, when it comes to holding their MSPs to account.”