Thewliss ‘ will unite MPs and focus on indy’

GLASGOW MP Alison Thewliss will unite the SNP’s MPs at Westminster to focus on independence if she is elected group leader, her supporters have said.

The party’s MPs will choose the leader to replace Ian Blackford who resigned last week.

Thewliss is the SNP shadow chancellor at Westminster and has developed a reputation from campaigning for many years against austerity, the two- child benefit cap and rape clause, and the Home Office asylum policies.

She revealed she is running for the post along with Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East MP Stuart McDonald as deputy.

Sources from her campaign said the pair represent a “serious leadership ticket”.

A party source said: “It is no secret we have not had a great time as a group. We need a new focus and to harness the talents.

“We need to fight Tory austerity and promote the case for independence in Europe.”

Her opponent is Aberdeen MP Stephen Flynn, and Thewliss is seen by some as having closer links to Holyrood and the First Minister Nicola

Sturgeon, and she stated she wants to build on Blackford’s record.

The source added: “Alison is not interested in alternative power bases. She will reform the team in collaboration with other parts of the party and will work well with Holyrood.”

They stressed that Thewliss is her “own woman” and is standing to lead a “solid formidable team” with a “renewed sharpness”.

They said: “She has the focus needed to do what we need to do to win.”

Thewliss is believed to be gathering momentum with MPs since she announced her intention to stand.

McDonald issued a statement on why he is standing as deputy.

He said: “The party is at such an important point in its history.

“Our mission is to actively build and make the case for a progressive alternative to Tory austerity and Brexit – Scotland’s independence in Europe.

“As deputy leader of the group, I’ll work with Alison to build a strong, focused Westminster team that works in collaboration with colleagues from across the party.”

Thewliss has been publicly endorsed by Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald, and Perthshire MP Pete Wishart.

Flynn has said that Paisley MP Mhairi Black would be his deputy.

The result will be known this evening.