Stephen Flynn stays on as SNP Westminster leader

Stephen Flynn is to remain as the SNP’s leader at Westminster following the group's AGM.

Pete Wishart, the party’s longest serving MP, is the new deputy leader.

The group is much diminished after last week’s general election, dropping from over 40 seats to just nine.

While SNP leader and first minister John Swinney has faced calls to resign, Flynn has not and was therefore widely expected to continue in the role.

He held on to his Aberdeen North seat, despite a drop in support for his party in the city.

Kirsty Blackman, the only female SNP MP, is the new chief whip.

Writing on X, Flynn said: “The SNP group held our AGM on Monday. I was delighted to be asked to continue as group leader and to have the experience of Pete Wishart join me as deputy leader.”

He took on the role from Ian Blackford in December 2022.

Wishart takes over from Mhairi Black, who did not seek reelection as an MP.

New spokesperson roles are expected to be announced in due course.