SNP MPs step forward to replace Angus Robertson as Westminster leader

NOMINATIONS for the post of SNP Westminster group leader are set to open to MPs.

The party is selecting another MP for the role after Angus Robertson lost his seat in last week’s General Election.

Thanks for the kind messages from political friends & foes. It's been an honour to be MP for Moray for 16yrs and wish my successor well.

— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) June 9, 2017

The new group leader will be announced on Wednesday evening.

Pleased to say I have decided to seek nomination for @theSNP Westminster group leader.

— Tommy Sheppard MP (@TommySheppard) June 12, 2017

Mr Robertson lost his Moray seat, which he had held since 2001, to the Conservatives.

He was beaten by former MSP Douglas Ross by 18,478 votes to 22,637.

Delighted to announce that I am seeking the support of my @theSNP MP colleagues for selection as their Westminster group leader

— Drew Hendry MP (@drewhendrySNP) June 12, 2017

Happy to confirm that today I shall seek nomination as @theSNP Westminster group leader

— Joanna Cherry QC MP (@joannaccherry) June 13, 2017

Mr Robertson became one of the SNP’s most high-profile figures after the 2015 election, thanks to a weekly platform at Prime Minister’s Questions.

The SNP won 35 seats in last week’s election, down 21 from 2015.

I can confirm that I will be a candidate for SNP group leader at Westminster. As it is an internal election I will make no further comment.

— Ian Blackford (@IanBlackfordMP) June 12, 2017

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has admitted the issue of another independence ballot was a factor in last Thursday’s vote, and said the party will reflect on its plans amid calls for it to be taken off the table.

She has turned her focus to the UK’s Brexit approach as political leaders including Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson call for more consensus.