[Politics] SNP Westminster leader denies plotting to oust predecessor

[BirSaNN]

The SNP's new Westminster leader has denied plotting to oust his predecessor Ian Blackford.

Stephen Flynn was elected group leader on Tuesday after Mr Blackford abruptly announced he was standing down.

Several MPs have since resigned from the SNP's front bench team, with Pete Wishart saying he was "bemused" about why Mr Flynn had sought a change.

But the 34-year-old told BBC Scotland that he only decided to stand for the job after Mr Blackford's resignation.

This is despite the fact he had distanced himself from the role only two weeks earlier, saying he had "no intention of standing" amid rumours that he was "on manoeuvres".

Senior SNP MP criticises new Westminster leader
Mr Blackford, a close ally of SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, announced last week that he was standing down from the post he had held for five years - but will be staying on as MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber.

This followed months of speculation about his future in the role, which included claims that Mr Flynn was seeking to replace him.

Mr Flynn then won a leadership vote against another ally of Ms Sturgeon, the Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss.

Allies of the new leader say he plans to set up a smaller front-bench team, which they say would allow other MPs to focus on constituency work and campaigning for independence.

And three prominent members of the front bench group have already stepped back, with defence spokesman Stewart McDonald and international development spokesman Chris Law joining Mr Wishart, who was its agriculture spokesman.

Mr Wishart was the most outspoken in his criticism, writing in his resignation letter to Mr Flynn that he was "bemused as to the reasons why you felt it was necessary to seek a chance in our leadership".

He also suggested that the new leader had been "canvassing opinion for a leadership challenge" prior to Mr Blackford's departure.

link: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63922302