Favourite steps back from race to be new deputy

A SENIOR Nationalist MP has ruled himself out of becoming the SNP’s next deputy leader – despite being the favourite to take over from Angus Robertson.

Tommy Sheppard yesterday said a ‘range of personal factors’ had led to his decision – as well as his belief that he can help the party work towards independence from his present position.

He finished second to Mr Robertson in 2016 but had been tipped to win this time round after Westminster leader Ian Blackford ruled himself out.

Mr Sheppard claimed he was ‘more protagonist than referee’ and said the current race would not help with any setbacks the party had faced.

MP Joanna Cherry has also ruled herself out as a contender,

‘I intend to shape our future policy’

claiming she could best serve the independence cause without joining the party leadership.

Mr Robertson resigned earlier this year, having lost his seat at the General Election in June.

That triggered a deputy leadership race, with only two declared candidates so far: MSP James Dornan and party member Julie Hepburn.

Speaking to the Sunday Herald, Mr Sheppard said: ‘I want to be free to contribute and lead debates about the policy we should advocate and that is harder if you are running the policy-making machinery.

‘I intend to continue to work with others to shape our future policy agenda.’

Miss Cherry said she spoke to colleagues who had pledged support, but she then decided against standing.

On Twitter, she said: ‘Huge thanks to all across the indy movement who have asked me to stand. After long and careful consideration I have decided that, for now, I can best further the cause of independence in my current role.’