TOMMY Sheppard has written to Angus Robertson and fellow SNP MPs to make clear he is not challenging the Westminster group leader for his job.
In his letter, the Edinburgh East MP said it was his ambition, if elected as depute, to refocus the post to make it ready to win independence for Scotland.
To SNP MPs, he wrote: “You will, of course, be aware that Angus has also declared his candidacy. Even before the contest begins I want to make it clear to you that this is in no way a challenge to his leadership of our group here at Westminster which has been exemplary.
“I want to refocus the job of depute leader, playing a big role in getting our organisation ready to lead the next Yes campaign and win independence for our country. Other people will see the job differently. In many ways this election will not just present members with a choice between candidates but also a choice on what the role should be.
“Nonetheless, I know that our opponents will always seek to cause mischief and suggest political division in our party where none exists. So from the outset I want to make it clear that I have nothing but complete commitment to our party’s overall policy and strategy.
“Our group leader is already part of our leadership team and he has my full support and confidence. I am seeking to join the leadership team, bringing a new perspective, and working with others as an effective group.”
Sheppard’s letter emerged after his rival Robertson indicated he had the support of around half of SNP MPs, including frontbenchers Joanne Cherry, Brendan O’Hara and Stephen Gethins.
In a separate development in the depute leadership contest, Chris McEleny — the SNP group leader on Inverclyde Council — announced he had the backing of former depute leader Jim Sillars.
McEleny said: “I am delighted I have received the support of former depute leader of the SNP Jim Sillars by nominating me for the position of depute leader.
“Jim has championed working-class and socialist values over the years, the values I believe in and want to champion at the heart of the SNP.”
Candidates need 100 members from at least 20 different branches by August 5 to endorse their candidacy.
The result, which will be decided in a ballot of the SNP’s 116,000 members, will be announced at the party conference in October.
The post of party depute leader became vacant after Stewart Hosie, the MP for Dundee East, resigned after announcing in May he had separated from his wife, the Scottish government health secretary Shona Robison, after his affair with a journalist was revealed.
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