SNP’s Ian Blackford to stand down as leader at Westminster
The SNP’s Ian Blackford has announced he will stand down as leader of the SNP group at Westminster.
He said he believed, after five years in the job, it was time for “fresh leadership.”
Blackford said he would formally stand down at the group’s annual general meeting next week.
In a statement, he confirmed he will continue his role as MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and that he had also accepted a new role at the centre of the SNP’s independence campaign.
Mr Blackford said: “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.
“During my time as leader, the SNP won a landslide victory in the 2019 general election, with an increased share of the vote and MPs, and support for independence has continued to grow with polling this week showing a majority in favour.”
