MSP suspended over Marwick comment

Nov 22 2012

A Labour MSP has been suspended from Holyrood after he branded the Presiding Officer "out of order".

Michael McMahon, who has been suspended for a day, shouted the criticism at the Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick on Wednesday afternoon.

It came after it emerged the Parliament's official report had to be corrected because the First Minister told MSPs there were about 18,000 people employed in renewable energy across Scotland, when the total is closer to 11,000.

The Tories raised that issue in Holyrood, shortly before the close of business on Wednesday.

But there were protests from some MSPs when the Presiding Officer attempted to move on to the next item on the agenda.

After Ms Marwick called for order, it is understood Mr McMahon said "You're out of order" to the Presiding Officer.

She demanded the Labour MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill withdraw the remark and Mr McMahon apologised immediately to her.

Ms Marwick then asked him to come to her office after the close of business at Holyrood.