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. Since taking over a fortnight ago, Flynn has embarked on a vendetta with all the vengeful enthusiasm of a Mafioso boss, purging allies of vanquished rival Alison Thewliss – including McDonald, who lost his defence portfolio last week. But that wasn’t enough for the new regime it seems, with McDonald today announcing that:
Although I had hoped to continue on the committee following recent changes in our SNP Westminster group, I am to be removed from tomorrow.
Such news has prompted much concern across party lines in Westminster. McDonald was widely respected for both his expertise and enthusiasm he brought to the role, engaging in a constructive cross-party fashion on one of parliament’s most important select committees. Tory MP Alicia Kearns, who chairs the FAC told Mr S of her disappointment at the news:
It’s appalling. Select committee jobs shouldn’t be a political bribe or gift. They’ve kicked their former defence spokesman and best foreign affairs person off the committee. It’s also a sign of how weak the new leader is that he’s kicking people off select committees rather than just assigning front bench roles.
Given the SNP’s professed support for Ukraine, what does it say that the SNP have decided to now remove him from the FAC?
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