NICOLA Sturgeon has reacted to news Ian Blackford will not be standing again as leader of the SNP group in Westminster.
Blackford served in the role for five years before making his announcement on Thursday morning.
Sturgeon praised him for the work he did in the 2019 General Election and for “holding the Tory government to account”.
She said: “I would like to pay tribute to Ian Blackford for his five years as leader of the SNP’s Westminster group.
“He led the group at a time of huge electoral success for the SNP, particularly at the 2019 general election, and has done an outstanding job in holding the Tory government to account and in promoting the case for independence.”
It remains to be seen who will replace Blackford in the role, with the decision likely to be made at the party’s AGM next week.
Sturgeon added: “I would like to place on record my thanks for Ian’s diligence, tenacity, friendship and loyalty in his time as group leader.
“He will continue to play an important role as constituency MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, and I have also asked him to take on a role as part of the wider SNP team preparing the case for independence.
“I look forward to working with Ian’s successor as group leader at Westminster, as we continue to make the case for the people of Scotland to have a democratic choice on the country’s future.”
In his statement, the MP said he accepted a new role "leading on business engagement" in the push for independence.
Elsewhere, SNP President Michael Russell also thanked Blackford for his "devotion" to the role in a post on social media.
Ian has worked extraordinarily hard as group leader, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the job whilst serving his huge constituency with enthusiasm and rightfully won the admiration of many. He has lots still to give at this crucial time. https://t.co/26tOHEHNX0
— Michael Russell (@Feorlean) December 1, 2022
He said: "Ian has worked extraordinarily hard as group leader, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the job whilst serving his huge constituency with enthusiasm and rightfully won the admiration of many.
"He has lots still to give at this crucial time."
