The new leader of the SNP in Westminster has announced a change in the party’s team in the House of Commons.
Stephen Flynn, who replaced Ian Blackford as leader, has welcomed four new additions to his shadow cabinet.
They included Stuart Hosey as economy spokesman, David Linden MP as social justice spokesman, Dave Duggan as defense spokesman and Chris Stevens MP as equalization spokesman.
MP Flynn said the SNP’s new front office demonstrated a “wealth of talent” as he pledged to “harness” the rise in support for independence according to recent polls.
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He said: “With three consecutive polls in two weeks showing majority support for independence, momentum is building and we are at a pivotal point in Scottish politics.
“The SNP Westminster Group is leading and ready to build on this momentum and is fully focused on protecting Scotland’s interests and our democratic right to decide our future.
“We have a dynamic new team from the front bench and across the group we have a wealth of talent, experience and expertise. We are best placed to hold Westminster to account and support our Scottish Government and colleagues at Holyrood in delivering Scottish independence.
“Scotland continues to face the cost of living crisis, exacerbated by the Tory ‘debacle’, and we are still affected by the catastrophic consequences of leaving the EU. That is why we now have an EU Accession Spokesperson and I welcome Allyn Smith MP to this important role.
Stephen Flynn replaces Ian Blackford (pictured), who stood down as leader of Westminster last week
“I would also like to welcome those new to the front bench, congratulate those in new positions and thank the whole team for their long, tireless work.
“With the Tories and Labor supporting Brexit and denying democracy by standing in the way of a referendum on Scottish independence, only the SNP is truly standing up for the people of Scotland.
“Support for independence is growing because people know it is the only way back into the EU and the only way out of the broken Westminster system. The SNP Westminster team will be working hard to make this happen.”
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Flynn, the MP for Aberdeen South, was chosen by the party’s Westminster Group as their new leader over rival candidate Alison Thewlis earlier this week.
He denied claims he had conspired against his predecessor Blackford, saying anyone who thought otherwise had watched too much House of Cards, a popular TV political drama.
After Flynn’s election, three MPs left the party’s front bench.
Chris Lowe has left his role as shadow international development secretary following the resignations of agriculture spokesman Pete Wishart and defense spokesman Stuart Macdonald.
Full list of SNP frontbench positions held by MPs:
SNP Westminster Leader – Stephen Flynn MP
SNP Deputy Leader of Westminster – Mhairi Black MP
SNP Chief Whip – Martin Doherty-Hughes MP
Economy Spokesperson – Stewart Hosie MP
Social Justice Spokesperson – David Linden MP
Home Affairs Spokesperson – Alison Thewliss MP
Justice and Immigration Spokesperson – Stuart Macdonald MP
Spokesperson for Scotland – Dr Philippa Whitford MP
Spokesperson for Europe and EU accession – Aline Smith, MP
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson – Drew Hendry MP
Environment, Agriculture, Farming and Rural Affairs Spokesperson – Patricia Gibson MP
Women and Equality – Kirsten Oswald MP
International Trade Spokesperson, Northern Ireland and Wales – Richard Thomson MP
Energy and Industrial Strategy Spokesperson – Alan Brown MP
Spokesperson for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – John Nicholson MP
Defense Spokesperson – Dave Duggan MP
House of Commons Business Spokesperson – Deidre Brock MP
Leveling Up Spokesperson – Chris Stevens MP
Cabinet Spokesperson – Kirsty Blackman MP
Transport Spokesperson – Gavin Newlands MP
Health Spokesperson – Martin Day MP
International Development – Brendan O’Hara MP
Education Spokesperson – Carol Monaghan MP
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