Ian Blackford has announced he will step down as the SNP's Westminster leader, however talk has now turned to who could replace him.
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber said in a statement on Thursday that he will not seek re-election at the party's AGM next week, claiming it is time for "fresh leadership".
The SNP is gearing up to fight the next general election as a de facto referendum following the Supreme Court's ruling that Holyrood cannot legislate for another vote on independence without Westminster's consent.
Blackford said: "I have today informed SNP MPs that I will not be re-standing as leader of the Westminster parliamentary group at our AGM next week.
"After more than five years in the role, now is the right time for fresh leadership at Westminster as we head towards a general election and the next steps in winning Scotland's independence."
Many of the SNP MPs at Westminster have thanked Blackford for his service, however one vocal critic has called for "fresh leadership" and for there to be not "outside interference".
Joanna Cherry, MP for Edinburgh South West, tweeted: "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."
So, who could replace Blackford in the Commons?
Stephen Flynn
The Aberdeen South MP is the favourite to take over from Blackford in the House of Commons. Just last week, Blackford told the Scotsman he "looked forward" to putting himself forward for re-election as the party's Westminster leader, adding that he hoped to be "the MP which leads the SNP group out of Westminster for the last time".
It came in the week after Flynn knocked down reports he was seeking to challenge Blackford for the top job. It's believed he has the MPs on his side to lead the nationalists in London.
In a tweet last month, he said: "As much as I love seeing photos from the days when I was still clinging on to some hair, I can confirm I’ve no intention of standing."
Kirsten Oswald
The SNP's current deputy leader at Westminster could step up to take the reins from Blackford when he stands down. Since taking over from Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman as deputy in July 2020 the MP for East Renfrewshire has deputised for Blackford on a number of occasions at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons.
Oswald thanked Blackford following his resignation, she tweeted: "What a phenomenal shift @Ianblackford_MP has put in as SNP Westminster leader. It has been a real pleasure to work alongside him, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to do so. I know he will be a huge asset in his new role working at the heart of the independence campaign."
Alison Thewliss
Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss may seem an outside bet to take over from Blackford but throughout her time as the SNP's Treasury Spokesperson she has landed some heavy blows on Tory ministers during finance debates.
She paid tribute to Blackford following his resignation saying he put in an "incredible shift". Thewliss tweeted: "Very sorry to hear this - @Ianblackford_MP has put in an incredible shift and has consistently fought for Scotland's cause at Westminster."
Alyn Smith
In March this year Ian Blackford was forced to deny there were rumours he was about to step down as the Westminster leader following reports there was a pincer movement against him by senior Alyn Smith and Stewart McDonald.
Both the MPs issued similar denials with McDonald describing the report as "junk". The claims focused on the joint work Defence spokesman Stewart McDonald and Foreign Affairs spokesman Alyn Smith MP have been involved in over Ukraine and wider international affairs.
Smith thanked Blackford for his contribution, he tweeted: "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."
Stewart McDonald
The Glasgow South MP is another name that will be in the mix to take over from Ian Blackford on the green benches at Westminster. He has been the Defence Spokesperson for the party since 2017 and has been praised for his leadership on Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
McDonald praised Blackford following his resignation, he tweeted: "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."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
