Blackford quits his role as coup denied

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has rejected reports of a “coup” against her Westminster chief as he announced plans to step down.

Ian Blackford said yesterday he would not seek re-election to the post at the SNP’S AGM next week, just weeks after reports Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn was manoeuvring to take over.

Mr Flynn stepped in to deny the rumours on Twitter, while Mr Blackford told The Scotsman just last week he would seek re-election and hoped to be “the MP which leads the SNP group out of Westminster for the last time”.

Speaking to STV News after First Minister’s Questions yesterday, Nicola Sturgeon said: “No, it’s not a coup.

“Ian has been Westminster group leader for five years now and he represents one of the furthest flung constituencies in the country.

“He’s making the decision, given all the exciting work that lies ahead for the SNP, that this is the right decision for him to pass on the baton.

“It’s up to the group now of course to consider who that is, but for now I want to pay tribute to the incredible, outstanding contribution that Ian Blackford has made.”

Reports yesterday afternoon suggested Mr Flynn has the required support to take over from the incumbent at next week’s vote.

Announcing his decision, Mr Blackford said: “I have today informed SNP MPS that I will not be re-standing as leader of the Westminster parliamentary group at our AGM next week.

“After more than five years in the role, now is the right time for fresh leadership at Westminster as we head towards a general election and the next steps in winning Scotland’s independence.”

Mr Blackford added that support for independence under his tenure has “continued to grow”, saying: “While I am stepping down as Westminster leader, I will continue in my role as the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and I have also accepted a new role at the centre of the SNP’S independence campaign, leading on business engagement.”

The last year of his leadership has been marred by his handling of allegations of sexual misconduct against one of his own MPS.

Patrick Grady was accused by a party staffer following an incident in a London pub in 2016. He was later suspended from the Commons after an independent investigation and resigned his party membership, but the member of staff repeatedly criticised the SNP’S handling of the issue.

Mr Blackford was also heard on a secret recording of a Westminster group meeting urging fellow SNP MPS to give Mr Grady their support.

SNP MP Joanna Cherry, who has regularly been at odds with the SNP’S leadership in recent years, welcomed the announcement of Mr Blackford’s departure.

She tweeted: “I’m pleased to hear this. It’s time for fresh leadership and tolerance of debate and diverse viewpoints.”

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said the announcement was a “total humiliation for Nicola Sturgeon”.

MOVING ON: SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the time was right for a change in the party.