Rebellious SNP MPs forced Ian Blackford to step down as partyWestminster leader in main challenge the authority and independence of Nicola Sturgeon strategy.
Mr Blackford, loyal ally of first minister, announced that he won’t stop for in post at SNP Westminster groupannual general meeting next Tuesday.
Although he denied he was forced out, SNP insiders said he had to resign after it emerged that Stephen Flynn, MP for South Aberdeen, had the necessary powers. support among party44 deputies to overthrow him.
Joanna Cherry MP for the SNP for Edinburgh South West welcomed Mr Blackford’s departure and warned Ms Sturgeon that it must be left to Westminster group choose his successor.
Coup aborted
The First Minister spoke in to save Mr. Blackford from a failed coup two weeks ago, with sources say Mr Flynn was urged not to rock the boat forward of Supreme Court ruling on independence referendum.
But, in a sign of Ms Sturgeon’s diminished authority after the court ruled against her, Mr. Flynn decided move again against Mr Blackford. He clear favorite to be nominated new Westminster leader next a week.
MP SNP who intends back Mr. Flynn said, “Stephen is coming back it’s fast from slap-down would not have happened six months ago. fact what’s going on shows that her [Sturgeon’s] the situation has weakened.
His supporters said they believed Flynn would stand. up the first minister in a way what Mr Blackford either did not want or could not do, and give deputies more influence over party policy as well as strategy.
Some SNP MPs Are Deeply Dissatisfied with Mrs. Sturgeon’s Plan use in next general elections as a “de facto” independence referendum, fearing that it would diminish their chances of holding their seats.
They warned that this would encourage Unionist voters to turn out and threw their ballots tactically for tory in some places and others face updated challenge from the resurgent Labor Party.
However, this was only one factor behind Mr Blackford’s departure, with cliques in deeply divided SNP group unhappy with his performance for diversity of the reasons.
In his statement, Mr Blackford said: “I have [on Thursday] informed the SNP deputies that I would not run as leader of Westminster parliamentary group at our general meeting next a week.
“After more than five years in rolenow is the time for fresh lead in Westminster when we head to general elections and next steps in winning Scottish independence.
New role for Blackford
He said he would continue as MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and accepted “an offer” from Ms Sturgeon. new role in the center of SNP independence campaign, leading on business engagement”.
Mr Blackford later insisted that he was not forced out, saying that Miss Sturgeon gave him option of I’m trying to continue.
But his departure came just a week after he gave a newspaper interview. in which he predicted he would last SNP Westminster leader to Scotland left United Kingdom.
Denying the coup, Ms Sturgeon said: “Ian was a Westminster group leader for five years old and he represents one of the most remote counties in country.
“He does decision Considering all that’s ahead for SNP considering everything exciting work what lies ahead for SNP what’s right decision for him to pass on wand.”
