Stewart McDonald had hoped to stay in his position, but the new leadership has decided otherwise.
A member of the Scottish National Party claims he has been “removed” from the Foreign Affairs Committee owing to leadership changes within his party.
The Westminster grouping chose Stephen Flynn as its new leader earlier this month, following Ian Blackford’s announcement that he would be stepping down after more than five years in the position.
However, there were widespread rumors that it was more of a coup, with ardent followers of SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon being marginalized by MPs seeking change. Mr. Flynn and his supporters have rejected these rumors.
Several SNP frontbenchers have indicated they will no longer serve as party spokespeople following Mr. Flynn’s assumption of leadership.
Now, Stewart McDonald claims to be the most recent victim of the rearrangement.
“Though I had hoped to remain on the committee following recent changes in our SNP Westminster group, I will be dismissed tomorrow,” he tweeted on Sunday.
“I’ve enjoyed working with some fantastic coworkers and clerks.”
He is likely to be succeeded by SNP representative Drew Hendry.
The chair of the Conservative group, Alicia Kearns, criticized the decision, stating that she was “very upset that select committee positions are given out as political prizes.”
She also lauded Mr. McDonald’s work, stating that he has been “steadfast on foreign policy concerns and for the Ukrainian people” during his term on the committee.
