Ian Blackford has announced his resignation as Westminster leader of the SNP, as the party prepares for the next general election on independence. ,
Ian Blackford has announced his resignation as the leader of the SNP in Westminster.
“After more than five years in the position, it is time for new leadership at Westminster as we approach a general election and take the next steps toward achieving Scottish independence,” he said.
Following the Supreme Court’s judgment that Holyrood cannot legislate for another vote on independence without Westminster’s approval, the SNP is preparing for the next general election, which it argues will be a de facto referendum.
Mr. Blackford stated that he will continue to serve as an MP and that he has taken a new position as the leader of business engagement for the SNP’s independence campaign.
In his retirement statement, he stated, “During my time as leader, the SNP won a landslide victory in the 2019 general election, with an increased proportion of the vote and MPs, and support for independence has continued to rise, with polls this week showing a majority in favor.”
He praised his team and stated that whoever succeeds him will have his full backing “as we defend Scotland’s interests and democratic right to determine our future in an independence referendum.”
According to SNP sources who spoke with political correspondent Joe Pike, Mr. Blackford’s departure was “far overdue.”
Many believe that SNP representative Stephen Flynn will succeed him.
Mr. Flynn, aged 34, is the business, energy, and industrial strategy (BEIS) spokesman for his party at Westminster.
He has previously denied challenging Mr. Blackford for the position of leader.
Mr. Blackford announced last week that he would seek re-election and planned to be “the final MP to lead the SNP group out of Westminster.”
Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, has denied rumors of a “coup” against her Westminster head.
Mr. Blackford avoided addressing directly if he had been forced out, instead stating that Ms. Sturgeon has asked him to serve as her business ambassador and that the battle for Scottish independence is “into a new chapter.”
“It’s time for new leadership”
Joanna Cherry, SNP Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West, was “pleased” to learn of Mr. Blackford’s resignation.
“It is time for new leadership, discussion tolerance, and varied perspectives. I hope the @SNPWestminster group will now be left to choose our next leader without intervention from the outside and by our standing orders “She sent out tweets.
However, Ms. Sturgeon lauded Mr. Blackford for “an exceptional job of holding the Conservative government accountable and advancing the cause for independence.”
She expressed appreciation for Ian’s dedication, tenacity, friendship, and loyalty during his tenure as group leader.
SNP MPs will elect their future Westminster leader at their AGM next Tuesday evening, meaning Mr. Blackford’s successor will make their debut at Prime Minister’s Questions the day after.
To quit, Blackford is under pressure.
Mr. Blackford had faced calls for his resignation in the past due to his response to one of his MPs sexually harassing a staff worker.
The victim, who is 2016 was sexually handled at a party by SNP MP Patrick Grady, told: “Ian’s current situation is intolerable, and it will remain so. Things will only worsen.”
Mr. Blackford was under pressure after a recording of him encouraging colleagues to back Mr. Grady was leaked.
Later, the leader of the SNP in Westminster issued a statement in which he apologized for the victim’s exposure to “totally unacceptable” behavior, and an external examination of the available staff support was initiated.
Mr. Grady has expressed “deep regret” for his behavior after being judged to have violated the sexual misconduct rules of parliament.
