Ian Blackford resigns from position as Leader of the SNP Westminster group

Ian Blackford has stepped down from his position of the leader of the SNP in The House of Commons.

Blackford said he would officially stand down from his position at the SNP’s annual general meeting next week.

Blackford has come out and said that his decision came down to his belief that it was time for ‘fresh leadership.’ This is amid speculation that some SNP MPs were planning to overthrow Mr Blackford as the party leader for Westminster.

The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber has said that he would like to continue his role as the representative for his constituents. He has also accepted a role at the forefront of the SNPs fresh Indyref2 campaign.

Ian Blackford insisted that he had taken the decision upon himself and was not forced out, telling the BBC: “I’ve taken the decision myself.”

Mr Blackford has become a well-recognised personality in the House of Commons through his weekly appearances at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Ian Blackford’s time in charge of the Westminster SNP group wasn't without controversy. Back in June, an article published by the Daily Mail claimed to have a recording of Mr Blackford urging fellow MPs to show full support to SNP MP Patrick Grady. Grady whom at the time of the recording was suspended for sexual misconduct.

Mr Grady was suspended from Parliament for two days over an incident that occurred back in 2016. He was also suspended from the SNP Westminster group for a week with Nicola Sturgeon branding the support for Grady “unacceptable”.

After the incident involving Patrick Grady, there were reports of unrest from fellow SNP MPs who believed the handling of the situation was all wrong. It was reported that Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn had his sights set on overthrowing and replacing Ian Blackford.

After coming out and denying the rumours, it is in fact Stephen Flynn who has won the race to become the new leader of the SNP Westminster group. He was elected as the new leader and immediately appointed Mhairi Black as the new deputy leader, replacing Kirsten Oswald.

Ian Blackford tweeted out on his final day in his current post a thank you message to all of his colleagues. He said ‘Today is my last day in office for @theSNP as Westminster leader. Thank you to colleagues for the opportunity to serve both MPs and staff as well as all those who have supported and encouraged me. Good luck to my successor as I look forward to my next challenges.’

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon replied to the tweet expressing her thanks and gratitude to her close ally Ian Blackford.