SNP Westminster leadership hopeful Stephen Flynn has claimed that Mhairi Black will serve as his deputy leader should he win Tuesday's internal contest.
This comes following Kirsten Oswald’s decision to step down from her role as deputy to Ian Blackford.
According to The Times, two sources said that Flynn has told MPs Black, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, will stand to be his deputy.
Flynn officially confirmed his intention to run as Blackford’s successor in a post on social media.
There had initially been speculation that Flynn would ask his rival in the race, Alison Thewliss, to stand as his deputy.
She has since named Stuart McDonald for the role of deputy leader.
McDonald currently serves as the home affairs spokesperson for the party and has served as the MP for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East since 2015.
In a statement, McDonald said: “The party is at such an important point in its history. Our mission is to actively build and make the case for a progressive alternative to Tory austerity and Brexit: Scotland’s independence in Europe.
“As deputy leader of the group, I’ll work with Alison to build a strong, focused Westminster team that works in collaboration with colleagues right across the party.
💛Very humbled to have been nominated by @alisonthewliss for the role of Deputy Westminster Group Leader. 🏴It would be an honour to support her in harnessing the talents of our MPs and our movement to secure Scotland’s independence. https://t.co/MeYDkzD1s4 pic.twitter.com/kvFM23tXpl
— Stuart McDonald MP (@Stuart_McDonald) December 5, 2022
“We’ve got a big job ahead. Let’s get it done.”
It is understood that Flynn already has the support of around 30 of his colleagues in Westminster.
In an exclusive interview with The National, Thewliss called for a “unified” team working across Westminster, Holyrood and the Yes movement to deliver Scottish independence.
MPs will vote for the new leader on Tuesday evening at the group’s AGM.
