Kirsty Blackman stands down as SNP deputy leader at Westminster

Kirsty Blackman has stepped down as SNP deputy leader at Westminster, citing the impact lockdown has had on her mental health and saying she wants to prioritise constituency work and her family.

Elected as the SNP’s Westminster deputy leader in 2017, Blackman said he was proud of her record in the role but had made a “personal decision” to stand down.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford paid tribute to Blackman, saying “she has been a valued colleague and friend, and has made an important contribution to our work standing up for Scotland at Westminster”.

Blackman said: "I'm proud of what I've achieved as SNP Westminster Deputy Leader over the past three years. Together with our team of SNP MPs we have provided a strong voice for Scotland at a challenging time, won a landslide victory at the general election, and seen support for independence rise to record levels.

"Like many others, I've struggled with the impact that lockdown has had on my mental health. In order to prioritise my constituency and my family, I have made the difficult personal decision to step down from my leadership role.

"I strongly believe that people must be able to talk openly about mental health issues, which affect so many of us. I look forward to continuing my work for Aberdeen North and standing up for Scotland at Westminster."