Stephen Flynn elected as new SNP leader at Westminster

Stephen Flynn has been elected arsenic the SNP's caller Westminster person pursuing the resignation of Ian Blackford.

The Aberdeen South MP defeated Alison Thewliss - who is seen arsenic being person to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon - by 26 votes to 17 successful a ballot of the party's MPs.

Mr Blackford announced past week that helium was lasting down amid rumours that Mr Flynn was plotting to regenerate him.

Mr Flynn volition look Rishi Sunak astatine Prime Minister's Questions connected Wednesday.

He has already said that helium volition name Mhairi Black arsenic his deputy.

Mr Flynn had initially been expected to beryllium the lone campaigner to regenerate Mr Blackford.

But Ms Thewliss unexpectedly threw her chapeau successful the ringing aft sources adjacent to Mr Flynn were quoted successful the media arsenic saying helium intended to regenerate overmuch of the party's beforehand seat squad successful the Commons.

There has besides been speculation that helium could instrumentality Joanna Cherry - an outspoken professional of Ms Sturgeon - to a salient role.