THE SNP’s ruling body will “absolutely” not reverse a policy change requiring an MP to stand down if selected to fight a Holyrood seat.
It comes despite a protest by MPs over the move, a senior party insider has told The National.
Some 13 SNP MPs wrote on Wednesday to members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday urging it to suspend the new requirement.
The letter followed a decision by Edinburgh South West MP Joanna Cherry to withdraw from the candidate selection contest for Edinburgh Central. She was up against former deputy SNP leader Angus Roberston.
He has since been joined in the internal election by former minister Marco Biagi.
A senior figure told The National: “The selection contests for the 2021 Scottish parliamentary elections are effectively under way under updated rules passed by the SNP’s NEC.
“Regardless of whether some people find one rule advantageous or not, it would be unprecedented and unfair to seek to change the rules now the contests are underway. There is absolutely zero chance of these rules being revisited.”
Angus MacNeil, one of the MPs who signed the letter urging the NEC to reverse the new rule, said other people in the party were considering adding their names: “It’s an open letter and more people can add their names. Branches may have a view.”
Former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill and Cabinet Office spokesperson Tommy Sheppard were among the other MPs who signed the letter, sent to all NEC members including the First Minister.
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