Snp Stephen Flynn Sacks Chief Whip As Senior Mp Pete Wishart Says Confused By Changes To Resignation Letter

Owen Thompson has been replaced as the party’s chief whip at Westminster in a surprise first move by Mr Flynn as he overhauls the group’s frontbench in the Commons. Replacement Martin Docherty-Hughes, the MP for West Dunbartonshire, was given the role instead. The move comes as Flynn sent an email to SNP MPs, confirming he would put together a “new-look team” in the coming days as he tries to seal his power and launch a change of tack at Westminster. The change was confirmed as Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, announced his resignation from the party’s front bench in a critical letter. The new SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Photo: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament Mr Wishart, who was first elected to Westminster in 2001, has resigned as the DEFRA group spokesman. In the letter, Mr Wishart said: “We never had the opportunity to discuss your plans for the team, neither when you were canvassing for a leadership challenge nor at any point during the very short leadership campaign itself. “I note that you hope to bring about positive change in the way the group operates and that you wish to re-engage with colleagues in the Scottish Government and Parliament… I remain puzzled as to why you felt it necessary to seek a change in our leadership , particularly when we look at yesterday’s poll, which shows support for independence at an almost all-time high and support for the SNP in Westminster at an unprecedented 51%. “Usually this change of meaning accompanies failure, while we look only at sustained and growing success as a movement and a party. I am sure this is something I will see during your leadership. “I also look forward to hearing first-hand what you hope to do differently in the day-to-day management of the group.” But the Perth and North Perthshire MP said Mr Flynn had his “full support”, adding “I remain at your service if you want to use my experience in the Westminster group”. Responding to the letter, Mr Flynn thanked Mr Wishart for his “exemplary service” on the SNP frontbench. He added: “As always, my door remains open and I look forward to working with you as we support colleagues at Holyrood, hold the Tories to account and work towards independence.”

title: “Snp Stephen Flynn Sacks Chief Whip As Senior Mp Pete Wishart Says Confused By Changes To Resignation Letter " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-22” author: “Willie Self”

Owen Thompson has been replaced as the party’s chief whip at Westminster in a surprise first move by Mr Flynn as he overhauls the group’s frontbench in the Commons. Replacement Martin Docherty-Hughes, the MP for West Dunbartonshire, was given the role instead. The move comes as Flynn sent an email to SNP MPs, confirming he would put together a “new-look team” in the coming days as he tries to seal his power and launch a change of tack at Westminster. The change was confirmed as Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, announced his resignation from the party’s front bench in a critical letter. The new SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Photo: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament Mr Wishart, who was first elected to Westminster in 2001, has resigned as the DEFRA group spokesman. In the letter, Mr Wishart said: “We never had the opportunity to discuss your plans for the team, neither when you were canvassing for a leadership challenge nor at any point during the very short leadership campaign itself. “I note that you hope to bring about positive change in the way the group operates and that you wish to re-engage with colleagues in the Scottish Government and Parliament… I remain puzzled as to why you felt it necessary to seek a change in our leadership , particularly when we look at yesterday’s poll, which shows support for independence at an almost all-time high and support for the SNP in Westminster at an unprecedented 51%. “Usually this change of meaning accompanies failure, while we look only at sustained and growing success as a movement and a party. I am sure this is something I will see during your leadership. “I also look forward to hearing first-hand what you hope to do differently in the day-to-day management of the group.” But the Perth and North Perthshire MP said Mr Flynn had his “full support”, adding “I remain at your service if you want to use my experience in the Westminster group”. Responding to the letter, Mr Flynn thanked Mr Wishart for his “exemplary service” on the SNP frontbench. He added: “As always, my door remains open and I look forward to working with you as we support colleagues at Holyrood, hold the Tories to account and work towards independence.”