Two new Scottish MPs were sworn in at the House of Commons on Monday, with newly elected Scottish National Party MP Lara Bird declaring her primary allegiance to the 'sovereign people of Scotland' rather than the monarchy. Bird, who won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election last Thursday with a majority of over 5,000 votes against the Conservatives, was the first to take the oath of allegiance. She appeared to cross her fingers as she swore loyalty to King Charles III.
Oath and Allegiance
During her swearing-in, Bird stated: 'I take this oath only so that I can serve the people of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. My first allegiance is, and always will be, the sovereign people of Scotland.' She then raised her right hand and, with crossed fingers, recited the traditional oath: 'I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to the law, so help me God.' Bird was accompanied by fellow SNP colleagues Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen North) and Chris Law (Dundee Central).
Conservative Victory in Aberdeen South
Following Bird, Douglas Lumsden took the oath after winning Aberdeen South for the Conservative Party, unseating former SNP MP Richard Thomson. The closely fought election saw Lumsden secure a 6,000-vote majority, bolstered by Conservative policies on oil and energy. Lumsden was accompanied by Harriet Cross (Gordon and Buchan) and shadow Scotland secretary Andrew Bowie. He held a Bible and recited the traditional religious oath: 'I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God.' The ceremony concluded with cheers from the Tory benches.
