THE SNP’s Westminster leader has suggested that the party’s planned conference to discuss the next steps in the push for independence should be delayed.
The event is due to be held in Edinburgh on March 19 although Stephen Flynn has joined the calls for it to be postponed following Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.
On Wednesday, the party’s policy convener said that now was a good time “for the party to pause, reflect and take stock and allow the next leader to chart a new way forward, post leadership election”.
Speaking to Sky News, Flynn said: “The de facto referendum was obviously put forward by the First Minister and we were going to be discussing and debating the merits of that at that party conference.
“I personally think that party conference should be paused, for obvious reasons. I think the new leader should have the opportunity and indeed the space to set out their position, their values and their intentions going forward.
“So that would be my take in relation to that. I think it’s sensible that we do hit the pause button on that conference and allow the new leader the opportunity to set out their vision.”
Flynn also declined to say who he would be backing in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon with the party confirming on Wednesday that nominations were now open.
“I have not seen anyone throw their name in the ring yet”, he said.
“What I will do is obviously speak with all, if indeed there is more than one, who puts themselves forward to be the leader of the party and engage with them to see what their policy priorities are and their values are going forward.”
The SNP special conference should now be postponed whilst a leadership contest will also be ongoing. I also call for all those members who have left the party over the last year to be able to rejoin over the next month and be allowed to participate in the leadership election.
— Ash Regan MSP (@AshtenRegan) February 16, 2023
Former SNP minister Ash Regan also echoed Flynn’s calls. Writing on Twitter, she said: “The SNP special conference should now be postponed whilst a leadership contest will also be ongoing.
“I also call for all those members who have left the party over the last year to be able to re-join over the next month and be allowed to participate in the leadership election.”
