SNP MPs have been reacting to the news that Ian Blackford will not be standing again to serve as the party’s leader at Westminster.
Some thanked Blackford for his time in the role although one said that it was time for change.
Nicola Sturgeon has already put on record her thanks for the MP’s time in the role, where he led a successful General Election campaign in 2019.
The SNP spokesperson for defence Stewart McDonald wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply sorry to see my friend @Ianblackford_MP stand down as leader.
I am deeply sorry to see my friend @Ianblackford_MP stand down as leader. He has put in some shift, leading us through some of the most tumultuous political times, taking on 4 Prime Ministers, and delivering a stunning 2019 election result. All with his customary good nature. https://t.co/dnt7MRXwVm
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) December 1, 2022
“He has put in some shift, leading us through some of the most tumultuous political times, taking on 4 prime ministers, and delivering a stunning 2019 election result.
“All with his customary good nature.”
McDonald described Blackford as a “thoughtful, kind man who always sought the best in people".
He added: “He gave me the opportunity to serve as our defence spokesperson, and for that I’m grateful.
“As a loyal servant of the party and cause he has a record to be proud of and has much much more to give to Scotland.”
Stephen Flynn tweeted: "When Scotland gains her independence it will be thanks to the tireless dedication and determination of colleagues like @Ianblackford_MP. Kind, generous and always encouraging - he’s achieved so much, and will continue to play a key role at heart of our movement."
When Scotland gains her independence it will be thanks to the tireless dedication and determination of colleagues like @Ianblackford_MP. Kind, generous and always encouraging - he’s achieved so much, and will continue to play a key role at heart of our movement. 🏴
— Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) December 1, 2022
Blackford has already confirmed he will be taking on a new role in the push for Scottish independence.
It remains to be seen who will take over although Flynn is being touted as the frontrunner.
Alyn Smith also thanked Blackford for the “incredible shift” he put in during his time in the position, saying he “got us all through some real tough times and some huge successes”.
Big news in Westminster from @Ianblackford_MP. He’s put in an incredible shift as leader and got us all through some real tough times and some huge successes. He’ll not be lost to us or the Cause 👏
— Alyn Smith MP 🏴🇪🇺 (@AlynSmith) December 1, 2022
“He’ll not be lost to us or the cause”, he added.
Former SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter said that Blackford had done a “great job” but that she was sure he would be successful in his new role.
Writing on social media, she said: “I think @Ianblackford_MP has done a great job for us leading the Westminster group – but I also think he will do a great job leading on business engagement in the independence campaign & I am very glad to see this taking shape.”
I’m pleased to hear this. It’s time for fresh leadership & tolerance of debate & diverse viewpoints. I hope @theSNP Westminster group will be now be left to choose our new leader without outside interference & in accordance with our standing orders. https://t.co/JsEp9Wqyib
— Joanna Cherry KC (@joannaccherry) December 1, 2022
Elsewhere, MP Joanna Cherry felt it was time for change. She said: “I’m pleased to hear this. It’s time for fresh leadership & tolerance of debate & diverse viewpoints.
“I hope @theSNP Westminster group will now be left to choose our new leader without outside interference & in accordance with our standing orders.”
MP for Airdrie and Shotts Anum Qaisar said: "Over the last five years, @Ianblackford_MP has led @theSNP Westminster group with humour and hard work.
"I look forward to seeing him take a central role in our party campaign for independence.
“Politics is adversarial but Ian has been a confidant and a sounding board to me personally – and for that I will always be grateful.
“A kind and decent man. I wish him and Ann all the best.”
Alison Thewliss said she was “very sorry” to hear the news and said Blackford had “consistently fought for Scotland’s cause at Westminster”.
Blackford replied: “So kind of you Alison it has been an absolute pleasure working with you.”
What have opposition politicians said?
Members of the opposition have also been reacting to the news. Scottish Conservative chair Craig Hoy said Blackford “jumped before he was pushed”.
He said: “His resignation is a total humiliation for Nicola Sturgeon. She shamefully stood by her Westminster leader earlier this year despite his appalling handling of the complaints made against Patrick Grady. “This showed a total lack of judgment by Nicola Sturgeon. Ian Blackford should have been sacked immediately for his disgraceful behaviour but he was allowed to stay in post for several months and now gets to dictate the terms on which he leaves.”
They said that the SNP Westminster group was in a “state of disarray” and that Sturgeon “is rapidly losing her grip over her party.
Elsewhere, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton wrote on Twitter: “Ian Blackford has never been fit to lead, nor has he ever been fit to represent the people of Ross, Skye, and Lochaber.
Ian Blackford has never been fit to lead, nor has he ever been fit to represent the people of Ross, Skye and Lochaber. Those people have been deprived decent representation since we lost Charles Kennedy. Small wonder that his seat is swinging back to the Lib Dems.
— Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP🔶🇺🇦 (@agcolehamilton) December 1, 2022
“Those people have been deprived of decent representation since we lost Charles Kennedy. Small wonder that his seat is swinging back to the Lib Dems.”
LibDem MP Christine Jardine accused Blackford of waging a “bitter campaign against Charles Kennedy” and that his “mishandling of sexual harassment allegations against an SNP MP” showed “he has never been fit to lead”.
She added: “He should have stepped aside a long time ago. It’s been clear that his SNP colleagues have been pushing him to go and the recent failed leadership challenge was just one indication of their dissatisfaction.”
