‘Flynn is out of his depth and lacks intellect’ – say his own COLLEAGUES

NEW SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has been criticised for being ‘out of his depth’ and lacking ‘intellectual grasp’ – by members of his own party.

Meanwhile, his deputy, Mhairi Black, is facing accusations that she doesn’t have the necessary ‘work ethic’ to take on a top role.

The fierce character smears have been issued just days after 34-year-old Mr Flynn was named as successor to Ian Blackford.

Members of the so-called Tuesday Club are now in control of the Westminster group of MPs in what is being seen as a challenge to Nicola Sturgeon’s authority.

But the acidic critique of the new leadership team is sure to further fuel what is fast becoming a Nationalist civil war on the Commons benches.

One SNP source told The Scottish Mail on Sunday that Mr Blackford’s new role as an SNP business ambassador will give him enough leverage and headlines to outshine the man who replaced him.

The source revealed: ‘There’s no love lost between him and Flynn. Ian thinks his successor is out of his depth and just doesn’t have the intellectual grasp or necessary skills for the job.

‘In six months’ time people may well see the flaws. As for Mhairi

Black, Ian really admires her campaigning skills – but there are questions over her work ethic.’

The source added: ‘Politics is a dirty business and some people just wanted Ian out. In the end, he thought it was not worth the fight.

‘Anybody who thinks he will disappear are well off the mark. He’s not going to do a Matt Hancock and stand down as an MP. He is not going to disappear.’

Mr Flynn – the MP for Aberdeen South – has yet to finalise his frontbench team.

But three MPs have already handed back their portfolios with one, veteran Pete Wishart, taking a swipe at the new leader.

However, a pro-Flynn MP told the Scottish Mail on Sunday: ‘These refuseniks will be forgotten in no time and don’t command much support in the group.

‘Under Blackford, it became a tired party. He jumped before he was pushed. Stephen Flynn is a breath of fresh air.

‘He is a quick learner, a strong debater and people will see him shine as leader.’

Mr Flynn was elected last Tuesday after seeing off a rival bid for the post from Ms Sturgeon loyalist Alison Thewliss, winning the contest by 26 votes to 17.

He gained the Aberdeen South seat in 2019, taking it from the Tories, but remains a relatively unknown political figure.