THE SNP’s Westminster leader has suggested that the party’s planned conference to discuss the next steps in the push for independence should be delayed.
The event is due to be held in Edinburgh on March 19 although Stephen Flynn has joined the calls for it to be postponed following Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.
On Wednesday, the party’s policy convener said that now was a good time “for the party to pause, reflect and take stock and allow the next leader to chart a new way forward, post leadership election”.
Speaking to Sky News, Flynn said: “The de facto referendum was obviously put forward by the First Minister and we were going to be discussing and debating the merits of that at that party conference.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's political life in 16 pictures
“I personally think that party conference should be paused, for obvious reasons. I think the new leader should have the opportunity and indeed the space to set out their position, their values and their intentions going forward.
“So that would be my take in relation to that. I think it’s sensible that we do hit the pause button on that conference and allow the new leader the opportunity to set out their vision.”
Flynn also declined to say who he would be backing in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon with the party confirming on Wednesday that nominations were now open.
“I have not seen anyone throw their name in the ring yet”, he said.
“What I will do is obviously speak with all, if indeed there is more than one, who puts themselves forward to be the leader of the party and engage with them to see what their policy priorities are and their values are going forward.”
The SNP special conference should now be postponed whilst a leadership contest will also be ongoing.
— Ash Regan MSP (@AshtenRegan) February 16, 2023
I also call for all those members who have left the party over the last year to be able to rejoin over the next month and be allowed to participate in the leadership election.
Former SNP minister Ash Regan also echoed Flynn’s calls. Writing on Twitter, she said: “The SNP special conference should now be postponed whilst a leadership contest will also be ongoing.
“I also call for all those members who have left the party over the last year to be able to re-join over the next month and be allowed to participate in the leadership election.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel