Stephen Flynn says he is not worried about MSPs who have briefed against him
The SNP Westminster leader said he was “looking forward to working with all my colleagues” if he is successful in May
Stephen Flynn has said he is not worried about working with MSPs who have briefed against him if he is elected to Holyrood.
The SNP Westminster leader said he was “looking forward to working with all my colleagues” if he is successful in May.
The Aberdeen South MP said the SNP has “loads of talented politicians” at a press event to mark 100 days until the Scottish Parliament election.
Mr Flynn came under fire after he announced he wanted to stand in SNP colleague Audrey Nicoll’s Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency and keep his Westminster seat.
Mrs Nicoll said at the time that she wished to stand again but has since said she will stand down in May.
Mr Flynn was also accused of drawing up a hit list of female MSPs he wanted to oust from Holyrood to make way for former MPs - something he has denied.
When asked if he was worried about working with MSPs who had briefed against him, Mr Flynn said: “No, I’m looking forward to working with all my colleagues in the Scottish National Party, as I’ve always done throughout my tenure as an elected member.
“We are very fortunate to have loads of talented politicians, loads of very good people, who are focussed on making sure that we fight for Scotland’s future, to make sure that we become an independent country and we deal with the challenges that are facing our public services.”
The SNP Commons leader was speaking at an event where the SNP unveiled a sign with an image of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer which said: “Gone in 100 days? Vote SNP on May 7, 2026.”
The Nationalists have said that they would use a majority at the Holyrood election to push for a second independence referendum.
When asked what happens to the push for independence if the SNP does not win a majority in May, Mr Flynn said: “We will hit the majority in May.”
He continued: “We’ll deliver the majority in May if the people of Scotland back us. I think we have a very compelling message to give to them, that we’re up for the fight.
“We’re up for fighting for Scotland, fighting for their futures in what is a difficult situation for everyone.
“With the cost of living crisis, with an NHS which is under profound pressure.
“John Swinney’s leadership, it’s such a sharp contrast to the chaos we see down in Westminster, where the Labour Party are constantly fighting amongst themselves.
“We’ve seen what a Labour Government looks like, and I don’t think we need a repeat of that back home in Scotland.
“And people will, in that sense, hopefully be guided to put their cross against the SNP in May and make sure we have that majority and we have that fresh start with it.
“Independence that takes us away from broken Brexit Britain.”
When asked if a formal coalition with any other party was on the cards, Mr Flynn replied: “Why do you need a coalition when you have a majority?”
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