The SNP's Westminster leader has called for the push for a second referendum on Scottish independence to be put on hold so that the Government can put its focus elsewhere.
His comments come after the surprise resignation of Nicola Sturgeon this week, in which she said: “In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country.”
Stephen Flynn replaced Ian Blackford, a vocal supporter of Sturgeon, in the House of Commons at the end of last year.
But Flynn has ruled himself out of taking Sturgeon’s place after she leaves Office.
Stephen Flynn replaced Ian Blackford in the House of Commons.
House of Commons
He explained that the next head of the SNP will come from the Holyrood group.
Flynn said the party should take a “breather” from its campaign for independence and turn its focus on the upcoming leadership contest.
Next month the SNP is due to host a conference in which it plans discuss the path towards an independence vote.
Sturgeon had pushed for the next general election to be used as a de facto referendum.
Flynn said: “In my view, that conference should be paused,
“We should allow our new leader the opportunity and the space to set out their vision, their priorities, domestically in relation to the NHS, the economy, the cost of living crisis,
“But also give them the space to chart their course when it comes to that pathway to independence,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“I think it’s the right thing to take a breather. I don’t think the public will be surprised if we do that and I hope that’s the decision that is come to.”
Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for her to resign.
Andrew Milligan
The party’s national executive committee will meet on Thursday evening to lay out plans for the leadership race.
Its president Michael Russell said he believes the process will be “shortened” and that it will be a “contested election”.
The next leader of the SNP will have to pick up where Sturgeon left off, making their mark clear on key areas that Sturgeon could not in her final months as First Minister.
These include the Gender Recognition Bill, Scottish independence and ongoing issues with pay for public services which have led to strikes across multiple sectors.