Former SNP Westminster deputy leader Mhairi Black has quit the party, citing the SNP's "capitulation" on trans rights as a key factor in her decision. The ex-MP said she still supports Scottish independence but disagreed with too many party decisions.
Black told The Herald newspaper she had been at odds with the party's direction for some time. She said there had been "too many times" when she disagreed with decisions or strategies adopted by the SNP leadership.
Trans rights concerns cited
The former MP specifically criticised the party's stance on LGBT rights, particularly regarding transgender issues. Black said she remained "still just as pro independence, absolutely" but felt the party's "capitulation on LGBT rights, trans rights in particular" had been problematic.
She also expressed concerns about the SNP's position on Palestine, saying she thought "the party could be doing better" on the issue. Black suggested she had become "probably a bit more left wing" whilst feeling the party needed to change significantly.
Political career highlights
Black burst onto the political scene when elected to Westminster aged just 20, becoming the youngest MP since 1832. She won the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat in 2015, defeating former Labour cabinet secretary Douglas Alexander as the SNP swept Scotland.
Her victory came during the SNP's historic 2015 general election performance, when the party captured all but three Scottish seats following the 2014 independence referendum. Black later became her party's deputy leader in the House of Commons when Stephen Flynn took over as group leader.
Westminster departure
She stepped down at the 2024 general election, citing the "toxic" environment at Westminster as a factor in her decision. During her parliamentary career, Black was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after experiencing burnout.
An SNP spokesperson responded by highlighting the party's unity under John Swinney's leadership. They said the SNP remained "the largest political party in Scotland, united under John Swinney's vision of creating a better, fairer Scotland for everyone".
The spokesperson added that after "a year of disappointment and let-downs from the UK Labour Government", it was clear that "real change will never come from Westminster and that independence is essential for a better future".
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
