SNP announces Dave Doogan as new Westminster leader as Stephen Flynn elected to Holyrood as an MSP

The SNP has announced its new leader at Westminster following Stephen Flynn’s election to the Scottish Parliament.

Dave Doogan was unanimously elected by MPs to lead the group in London.

Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, had led the SNP in the House of Commons since 2022 but resigned after being elected to Holyrood’s Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine constituency. His departure will trigger a by-election.

First Minister John Swinney congratulated Mr Doogan, writing on social media: “I look forward to working as closely on Westminster issues as we work together on constituency issues.”

Flynn also congratulated his successor, saying: “While it might not be the resignation everyone in Westminster was waiting for, I have left my role as the SNP leader at Westminster before I soon depart full-time to Scotland’s national parliament.

“I want to congratulate Dave Doogan on his unanimous election.

“At a time when the Labour Government is plunging the UK into yet another crisis, while families suffer from the soaring cost of living, it has never been more important to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland and our future as an independent country.”

Stephen Flynn is leaving Westminster after being elected to the Scottish Parliament (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Media

Doogan said Flynn would “do an excellent job in the Scottish Parliament” and thanked him for “his friendship and support over the years”.

Doogan was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019 and currently serves the Angus and Perthshire constituency.

The 53-year-old was previously leader of the SNP group on Perth and Kinross Council, having previously worked as an aircraft engineer for the Ministry of Defence, specialising in Sea King search and rescue helicopters.

He said: “Following a swift timetable for an orderly leadership transition, I’m delighted to have been elected as the new SNP Westminster leader at a crucial time for Scotland’s future and our journey to independence.

“While Westminster is, yet again, consumed by chaos and bitter infighting, I will be laser-focused on the issues that really matter to people in Scotland.

“That means demanding urgent action on the cost of living – and securing a fresh start from the constant crisis of Westminster control as an independent country.”

The SNP Westminster leader said since his election seven years ago, the UK had “lurched from one crisis to another” as he pointed to Brexit, the cost of living crisis and high energy bills.

He added: “Every day, families in Scotland are paying the price for Westminster failure.

“I will do everything I can to hold the UK Government to account and secure that fresh start of independence, so Scotland can use our huge energy wealth to lower bills and invest in our communities.”