SNP’s Wishart has a dig at Nicola... then says he’ll be her No2!
Party should ‘rethink its policy on EU membership’
ONE of the SNP’s longest-serving MPs criticised Nicola Sturgeon’s Brexit strategy – as he confirmed he is considering standing to be her deputy.
Pete Wishart, the controversial MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said the SNP has to stop ‘chastising’ those within the party who voted Leave.
He said the party should change its policy on EU membership for an independent Scotland, and instead support a ‘graduated’ approach which starts with membership of the European Economic Area.
Mr Wishart, who has been criticised for his controversial comments on Twitter, confirmed he would consider whether to put himself forward for the deputy leadership role vacated by Angus Robertson ‘after taking soundings from colleagues and friends’.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf – seen as one of the top contenders for the role – yesterday ruled himself out. At least eight possible challengers are now thought to be in the running.
Writing in a pro-independence newspaper, Mr Wishart said there needs to be ‘the widest possible conversation in the party at this important juncture for the SNP’.
In a clear sign of discontent with the First Minister’s pro-EU strategy, he said: ‘There is no point chastising Leave SNP voters by simply extolling the virtues of an EU they feel alienated from.
‘We have to construct a way forward that can enlist them and with which they can feel comfortable.
‘Unless something dramatic happens within the next few months, Scotland will find itself out of the EU as part of the UK in a year’s time and we have to face up to that reality.’
Mr Wishart said there needs to be an ‘honest assessment’ of the ‘difficulties’ which led to the No vote in 2014 and ‘have still to be confronted’.
He added: ‘As a party, we need to properly discuss where we find ourselves, with an honest assessment of why we lost so many SNP MPs last year.’
The Scottish Government’s independence white paper stated that an independent Scotland would automatically retain EU membership.
But Mr Wishart said he would now favour a ‘graduated’ approach to rejoining the EU, starting with European Economic Area membership before moving on to joining the European Free Trade Association then applying for full EU membership.
Mr Yousaf said he was not standing because he was happy with his ‘work-life balance’.
MSP James Dornan is so far the only confirmed candidate for the deputy leader’s post. Westminster leader Ian Blackford is widely expected to put his name forward.
Others said to be considering their position include MPs Tommy Sheppard, Joanna Cherry, Phillipa Whitford and Kirsty Blackman. Ivan McKee, the Glasgow Provan MSP, has also been mentioned.
Mr Yousaf said there were ‘many reasons’ he was ruling himself out, saying he ‘wouldn’t have enough hours in the day’.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘For me, I have a time-consuming government job, am dedicated to my constituents and lucky to have many people I love that I want to spend more time with.’
‘Why we lost so many MPs’