SNP MPs are set to cast their vote to decide who the party’s next leader in Westminster should be.
It comes less than a week after Ian Blackford announced he would be stepping down with either Alison Thewliss or Stephen Flynn set to be appointed his successor.
Many have thanked Blackford on Twitter after he said: “Today is my last day in office for @theSNP as Westminster leader.
Today is my last day in office for @theSNP as Westminster leader. Thank you to colleagues for the opportunity to serve both MPs and staff as well as all those who have supported and encouraged me. Good luck to my successor as look I forward to my next challenges.
— Ian Blackford 🇺🇦🏴 (@Ianblackford_MP) December 6, 2022
“Thank you to colleagues for the opportunity to serve both MPs and staff as well as all those who have supported and encouraged me.
“Good luck to my successor as I look forward to my next challenges.”
Below is all the key information you need to know ahead of today’s vote.
What time is the vote and when will we know who’s won?
MPs will cast their votes behind closed doors around 6pm.
It is expected we will then find out the winner later on this evening.
How does the vote work?
The vote is solely a matter for SNP MPs as opposed to party members. Either Thewliss or Flynn will need to command a majority amongst their Westminster colleagues to win the contest.
Although Thewliss has publicly announced she would like Stuart McDonald as her deputy, and Flynn has claimed his would be Mhairi Black, the candidates do not run on a joint ticket.
The vote for deputy leader will be held separately.
What can we expect depending on who wins?
The National has exclusive analysis on both candidates and where they stand on key SNP issues, including on independence.
Not all MPs have publicly declared who they will be voting for although we have also outlined those that have.
Ian Blackford's last day in office
Following his post on Twitter, many have thanked Blackford for his time in the role.
Pete Wishart commented: “Been a great shift from Ian. We’ve only had 2 Westminster leaders since the SNP entered government in Scotland in 2007.
Been a great shift from Ian. We’ve only had 2 Westminster leaders since the SNP entered government in Scotland in 2007. It is because we all pull together and support each other. All the best in your new role. https://t.co/bNc8lN19Py
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) December 6, 2022
“It is because we all pull together and support each other. All the best in your new role.”
MP for Glasgow South Stewart McDonald said on Twitter: “I called Ian just after the ’17 election telling him to stand as our leader.
I called Ian just after the ‘17 election telling him to stand as our leader. We’d no idea if he’d win or what lay ahead. He gave the job everything and often at great personal cost. He never once complained - quite the opposite. The movement owes him so much. Thanks boss. https://t.co/nGlpTnY1oc
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) December 6, 2022
“We’d no idea if he’d win or what lay ahead. He gave the job everything and often at great personal cost.
“He never once complained – quite the opposite. The movement owes him so much. Thanks boss.”
