Third SNP MP quits frontbench as Chris Law steps down
The SNP at Westminster has lost another frontbencher as a third figure submits his resignation to new leader Stephen Flynn.
Flynn took charge of the party's group in the UK Parliament following an internal vote on Tuesday. Mhairi Black was voted in as his deputy.
The pair succeed Ian Blackford, who denies being forced out of the leadership role, and Kirsten Oswald, who said it was right that she exit the deputy post with Blackford.
Flynn and Black defeated Alison Thewliss and Stuart C McDonald respectively in a result seen as a blow to Nicola Sturgeon's authority.
Yesterday DEFRA spokesperson Pete Wishart and defence spokesman Stewart McDonald wrote to Flynn to tender their resignations.
Now Chris Law, the SNP's spokesman for international development and climate justice, has done the same.
The Dundee West MP has held the role for more than five years and said it has been "an honour and a privilege", telling Flynn that "I truly believe we have never been closer to independence". However, the letter did not give his reason for stepping down.
Law told Flynn: "You have my full support and I look forward to working with you and others in our party to develop our strategy as we continue to build a winning campaign."
Scottish international development minister Neil Gray, who served with Law as an MP, praised the Dundee politician, saying: "Everywhere I've been as ID [international development] minister the respect held for my good friend Chris has been profound.
"He has worked incredibly hard and has loved doing this job incredibly well. His talents make him perfectly suited and will see him well for new and long-standing campaigns like indy."
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