One of the favourites to be the SNP’s next deputy leader has ruled himself out of contention.
Pete Wishart, who represents Perth and North Perthshire, said he does not think he has “sufficient support within the party” to go for the role.
I will not be standing to be the Depute Leader of the SNP. A short statement. https://t.co/iDhUM6GJBx
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) February 19, 2018
The position is open following this month’s resignation of Angus Robertson, who lost his Moray seat in last year’s general election.
Mr Wishart, who is the longest-serving of the current crop of SNP MPs, called for the party to do more to sell independence to Leave voters through a “graduated approach for an independent Scotland to rejoin the EU with checks and breaks factored in”.
He also called for a “proper, honest” assessment of why the party lost 21 MPs in last year’s election and urged caution from those demanding an independence referendum re-run before sceptical Scots had been won over.
Writing on his blog, Mr Wishart said: “After listening very carefully to the response to my agenda I have decided that I do not believe that I have sufficient support within the party and I will not now be standing for the post of depute leader of the Scottish National Party.”
Suggesting his chances could have improved if he had been less forthcoming on some topics, he said: “There are certain issues I could have perhaps ducked or de-emphasised in order to better assist me in any depute leader contest, but anyone who knows me knows that this is not something I would be prepared to do.
“I will always speak out on what I believe is in the best interests of my country.”
