MP says ‘emerging consensus’ behind Flynn to be SNP Westminster leader

RICHARD THOMSON has become the first SNP MP to publicly back Stephen Flynn in what look set to be a one-horse race to replace Ian Blackford.

Mr Thomson said his colleague had the “talent and ability” to lead the group in Westminster.

It follows Mr Blackford sudden resignation on Thursday morning.

The SNP’S parliamentary party is due to hold its AGM on Tuesday, when it will select a new leader.

At the moment, all indications are that only Mr Flynn is interested in the job.

Mr Thomson told the BBC: “I haven’t seen any hard and fast numbers but I think it’s been clear that he’s been growing in stature, he is somebody who is held in very high regard by the group and I would be astonished now that there’s a vacancy to see anyone else putting their name forward.

“Of course, they’d be perfectly entitled to, they’d have every right to under our constitution and rules.

“But there is an emerging consensus, shall we say, that Stephen is somebody with the talent and ability to move us forward over the next period and I think that’s who most people in the group would be looking to.”

Mr Flynn has yet to formally announce his candidacy. However, according to reports, he is expected to make sweeping changes to the SNP team at Westminster and could even bring Joanna Cherry back on the front bench.

Though widely regarded as a talented performer in the Commons, she was sacked by Mr Blackford last January.

Her opposition to gender recognition reform has made her a divisive figure for some in the party, and any reappointment would almost certainly lead to Mr Flynn receiving grief from members.

According to the Times, Mr Flynn has won the backing of a group of MPS known as the “Tuesday Club”.

They include Mr Thomson, as well as Brendan O’hara, who reportedly told Mr Blackford on Wednesday that he did not have the support to continue as leader.