Stephen Flynn elected SNP's new Westminster leader following Ian Blackford's resignation
dailyrecord.co.ukNicola Sturgeon has suffered a blow to her authority after a key ally failed to become the new SNP leader at Westminster. Alison Thewliss lost to Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn in the race to succeed Ian Blackford.
Mhairi Black was elected deputy leader.Flynn said: “Under my leadership, SNP MPs will be relentlessly focused on standing up for Scotland's interests and our democratic right to decide our future in an independence referendum. "Families across Scotland are paying a devastating price under Westminster control, with Brexit, austerity cuts and the Tory cost of living crisis hammering household budgets. "SNP MPs will work harder than ever to hold the Tory government to account - and make the case that independence is the essential route to safety, fairness and prosperity for Scotland." Flynn was last month weighing up a challenge to Blackford, but he ruled himself out in a post on social media.He u-turned after Blackford, who had been in post for five years, announced he was standing down.Flynn’s supporters believe he will be keen to stress his autonomy from the First Minister when required and act as a strong voice on independence.He has also championed the oil and gas industry, which the SNP/Green Government has gone cool on this year.
Thewliss, who represents Glasgow Central, was viewed as Sturgeon’s preferred candidate as the pair have been close for years.Flynn was announced the winner at the group's AGM.
He won by 26 votes to 17. One of Flynn’s supporters said his leadership would provide a “reset” after a period of “drift” at Westminster.
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