NICOLA Sturgeon has reacted to news Ian Blackford will not be standing again as leader of the SNP group in Westminster.
Blackford served in the role for five years before making his announcement on Thursday morning.
Sturgeon praised him for the work he did in the 2019 General Election and for “holding the Tory government to account”.
She said: “I would like to pay tribute to Ian Blackford for his five years as leader of the SNP’s Westminster group.
READ MORE: Ian Blackford to step down as SNP Westminster leader
“He led the group at a time of huge electoral success for the SNP, particularly at the 2019 general election, and has done an outstanding job in holding the Tory government to account and in promoting the case for independence.”
It remains to be seen who will replace Blackford in the role, with the decision likely to be made at the party’s AGM next week.
Sturgeon added: “I would like to place on record my thanks for Ian’s diligence, tenacity, friendship and loyalty in his time as group leader.
“He will continue to play an important role as constituency MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, and I have also asked him to take on a role as part of the wider SNP team preparing the case for independence.
“I look forward to working with Ian’s successor as group leader at Westminster, as we continue to make the case for the people of Scotland to have a democratic choice on the country’s future.”
In his statement, the MP said he accepted a new role "leading on business engagement" in the push for independence.
Elsewhere, SNP President Michael Russell also thanked Blackford for his "devotion" to the role in a post on social media.
Ian has worked extraordinarily hard as group leader, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the job whilst serving his huge constituency with enthusiasm and rightfully won the admiration of many. He has lots still to give at this crucial time. https://t.co/26tOHEHNX0
— Michael Russell (@Feorlean) December 1, 2022
He said: "Ian has worked extraordinarily hard as group leader, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the job whilst serving his huge constituency with enthusiasm and rightfully won the admiration of many.
"He has lots still to give at this crucial time."
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