Ruth Davidson's lobbying role shows need for second jobs bill
Former Scottish Conservative leader must quit as an MSP and force a by-election after accepting a lucrative corporate lobbying role, the Scottish Greens have said.
Davidson has recently been appointed to the Scottish Parliament’s corporate body, which oversees the workings of Parliament, but has also now taken a £50,000 job with a firm which lobbies politicians.
Commenting, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian Alison Johnstone said: “The people of Edinburgh Central elected Ruth Davidson to represent them, not use her position to earn £50,000 from lobbyists.
“This is clearly a conflict of interests. Davidson needs to resign from the corporate body and as an MSP so Edinburgh Central can elect a committed representative.
“Most folk who take second jobs do so through pressing necessity. It’s time for a by-election in Edinburgh Central, not to mention a change in the law. Neil Findlay’s bill on second jobs for MSPs should be fast tracked to stop this happening again.”
Speaking to STV News, Alison said: "This is a woman who insists it is right to have a two-child limit for people applying for tax credits.
"Well, I think it's right to have a one-job limit for those of us privileged enough to serve in the Scottish Parliament."