SNP purge their best in Westminster

In recent years, the SNP haven’t always covered themselves in glory in Westminster. Whether it’s silly stunts in the chamber or the botched complaint against the-then Chief Whip, Scotland’s party of government always seems to be at the centre of some various embarrassment. Still, one nat has managed to impress on both sides of the House: Stewart McDonald, the party’s longtime spokesman for defence.

McDonald held this post for more than five years in the Commons and joined the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) too in March 2020. In the latter role he won plaudits for his tough talk on China and foreign disinformation, earning a reputation as one of the more insightful inquisitors on the panel. He has also been a staunch advocate of Ukraine’s cause, having been awarded the country’s highest state honour back in 2019.

But all that isn’t enough it seems for Stephen Flynn, the newly-crowned leader of the SNP group at Westminster.