Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has taken aim at the “dysfunctional” SNP after the party paused its selection process for a key by-election. The constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West could see a by-election if Covid rule-breaking MP Margaret Ferrier is suspended from the Commons. Ms Ferrier was suspended from the SNP after she admitted travelling between Scotland and England while positive with the virus in 2020. However the Times reported on Tuesday that First Minister Humza Yousaf has rejected a series of local candidates put forward for selection. “We’re already campaigning in the constituency, and we will announce the potential candidates once that goes to a member ballot.”

Source: The Times May 17, 2023 12:26 UTC