Dundee-born MP denies plotting to unseat SNP Westminster leader

Dundee-born SNP MP Stephen Flynn, 34, who represents Aberdeen South, has said he has no intentions of trying to oust the party’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford from his post.

The Times reported that Mr Flynn had told senior officials he wanted to take on the top job after being backed by MPS.

It was indicated a vote could take place next month at the Westminster group’s annual general meeting.

But the Aberdeen MP tweeted: “I can confirm I’ve no intention of standing.”

The shock reports of a leadership challenge came just hours before Mr Blackford is scheduled to appear on BBC’S Question Time.

Mr Flynn became an MP in 2019 and is currently his party’s business and energy spokesperson in the House of Commons.

Mr Blackford has led the party’s Westminster group since he succeeded Angus Robertson in 2017.

He faced calls to resign over his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against MP Patrick Grady.

Mr Blackford was criticised for not forcing Mr Grady to step down as the SNP’S chief whip when accusations against him first emerged. He also came under pressure when he was heard saying the disgraced MP should be supported by his colleagues in a leaked audio.

Earlier in the year he was forced to deny reports he might stand down from his post.

Mr Flynn was born in Dundee and spent his childhood moving between the city and nearby Brechin.

He is a diehard fan of Dundee United and regularly travels to watch them play.

He became Aberdeen South MP in 2019 when he managed to wrest the seat back from the Conservatives.

Before that Mr Flynn served as a councillor in the city before after winning a by-election in 2015.

He became the local SNP group leader the following year.

“I can confirm that I have no intention of standing