Robertson denies SNP leadership is ‘autocratic’

The former depute leader of the SNP has dismissed suggestions the party has an “autocratic” leadership.

Angus Robertson, who resigned from the role on Saturday, rubbished reports that some people in the party wanted his successor to be more assertive and “stand up” to leader Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Robertson, who stood down eight months after losing his Moray seat in last year’s snap general election, said he was reluctant to “stick an oar in” by making any suggestions about his successor.

But responding to claims of an autocratic leadership style in the party, he said: “There is a very collegiate leadership within the SNP and it involves a much wider circle of people than some political opponents and maybe even some journalists imagine.

“My experience of working with Nicola Sturgeon is not just on a political level but just as a human being and as a friend [she’s] always reachable, always happy to talk and always happy to listen to advice, especially when there’s a different view on something.

“The difference is, we just tend to do that better than other political parties, which I know mystifies our political opponents and some journalists.”

SNP MSP James Dornan, who represents Glasgow Cathcart, was the first to announce plans to stand for the position on Monday. Mr Dornan is the convener of Holyrood’s education and skills committee.