New SNP Westminster leader set to be announced
It comes following Ian Blackford's departure
Last updated 6th Dec 2022
SNP MPs will choose a new Westminster leader on Tuesday after Ian Blackford said he would step down.
The current incumbent announced last week he would not stand again to lead the party in the Commons, with deputy leader Kirsten Oswald also saying she will step away from her role.
Who is in the running?
The contest for the top job is between Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn and Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss.
Ms Thewliss was the first to declare her candidacy for the job, before announcing on Monday that fellow MP Stuart McDonald was her pick for the deputy role.
Announcing her candidacy, the party's Treasury spokeswoman said: "I've been working for independence for over half my life. Scotland is closer to achieving that now now than ever before.
"The Westminster group needs a leader who can build on Ian Blackford's achievements and demonstrate that independence, far from being abstract, is the alternative to Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis and Tory austerity."
Ms Thewliss said she had "no intention" of running, but now there is a vacancy, she believes she could do the job well and she has a "duty" to step up.
Mr Flynn threw his hat in the ring on Sunday after being touted as a potential successor in the hours after Mr Blackford made his intentions clear.
"Few working class folk ever make it to Parliament, fewer still run to be political leaders," he said.
"Even fewer do so having spent almost the entirety of their teenage and adult years battling a physical disability.
"Your experiences tend to shape you and I am no different."
Mr Flynn has not publicly announced a deputy candidate.