Ian Blackford is stepping down as SNP chief at Westminster, as Nicola Sturgeon’s celebration prepares to nominate a brand new chief to steer the push for Scottish independence in parliament.
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber mentioned it was time for “contemporary management” within the Commons, saying that he wouldn’t be standing once more at subsequent week’s SNP parliamentary AGM.
His exit follows reviews of a plot to oust him because the Westminster chief amid a row over his dealing with of sexual misconduct allegations towards SNP MP Patrick Grady.
Solely final week Mr Blackford insisted that he would stand for re-election and lead the celebration till independence. “I stay up for being the MP that leads the SNP group out of Westminster for the final time,” he had informed The Scotsman.
However on Thursday Mr Blackford mentioned he was leaving the job to tackle a brand new position within the SNP’s push for one more independence referendum, main on enterprise engagement.
“After greater than 5 years within the position, now could be the appropriate time for contemporary management at Westminster as we head in the direction of a basic election and the following steps in successful Scotland’s independence,” he mentioned.
Mr Blackford mentioned: “Throughout my time as chief, the SNP received a landslide victory within the 2019 basic election, with an elevated share of the vote and MPs, and help for independence has continued to develop with polling this week displaying a majority in favour.”
He added: “Whoever replaces me as Westminster chief could have my full help as, collectively, we arise for Scotland’s pursuits and democratic proper to decide on our future in an independence referendum.”
However Ms Sturgeon has rejected reviews of a “coup” towards her Westminster chief – however mentioned it was proper time for him to “move on the baton” for another person.
Mr Blackford had confronted calls to resign over his administration of sexual misconduct claims towards his colleague Mr Grady.
Many within the celebration have been indignant that he didn’t power Mr Grady to step down as SNP chief whip when allegations emerged. Leaked audio sparked additional frustration when Mr Blackford was heard saying the MP needs to be supported.
Mr Grady give up the celebration in June to take a seat as an unbiased after the Metropolitan Police mentioned they have been investigating allegation of sexual assault. Scotland Yard introduced in July that no additional motion can be taken following discussions with the alleged sufferer.
Ms Sturgeon later mentioned that the help proven for Mr Grady at Westminster amid the allegations had been “unacceptable”.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP MP for Aberdeen South who has emerged because the frontrunner to interchange Mr Blackford, lately denied reviews that he was “on manoeuvres” for the Westminister management.
However reviews on Thursday afternoon recommended Mr Flynn has the required help to take over from the incumbent at a vote subsequent week. Will probably be as much as the 44 SNP MPs to decide on a brand new Commons chief on the group’s AGM on 6 December.
SNP deputy Westminster chief Kirsten Oswald, the celebration’s overseas affairs spokesperson Alyn Smith and Joanna Cherry QC might be among the many different main contenders to interchange Mr Blackford.
Ms Cherry – who has commonly been at odds with the SNP’s management in Edinburgh and London on a spread of points lately – overtly welcomed Mr Blackford’s exit.
“I’m happy to listen to this. It’s time for contemporary management and tolerance of debate and numerous viewpoints,” she mentioned on Twitter – earlier than warning Ms Sturgeon and her workforce to not intrude in choosing the brand new Commons chief.
“I hope the SNP Westminster group might be now be left to decide on our new chief with out exterior interference and in accordance with our standing orders,” she added.
Ms Sturgeon paid tribute to Mr Blackford, saying he had accomplished “an impressive job in holding the Tory authorities to account and in selling the case for independence”.
“I want to place on file my thanks for Ian’s diligence, tenacity, friendship and loyalty in his time as group chief,” she added. “I’ve additionally requested him to tackle a task as a part of the broader SNP workforce making ready the case for independence.”
Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary, mentioned Mr Blackford’s exit highlighted SNP in-fighting. “The SNP is in whole disarray – the Nats are deserting the sinking ship.”