An SNP MP says he has been “removed” from the Foreign Affairs Committee due to changes at the top of his party in parliament.
The Westminster grouping chose a new leader earlier this month in Stephen Flynn after Ian Blackford, who had held the role for over five years, announced he was stepping down.
But rumours were abound that is was more of a coup, with staunch supporters of SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon being sidelined by MPs looking for change – something Mr Flynn and his supporters have denied.
A number of SNP frontbenchers have announced they are stepping away from their roles as party spokespeople following Mr Flynn’s takeover.
And now Stewart McDonald claims to have become the latest casualty of the reshuffle.
Tweeting on Sunday, he said: “Although I had hoped to continue on the committee following recent changes in our SNP Westminster group, I am to be removed from tomorrow.
“I’ve enjoyed my time working with some great colleagues and clerks.”
Sky News understands he is likely to be replaced by fellow SNP MP Drew Hendry.
The Tory chair of the group, Alicia Kearns, attacked the move, saying she was “deeply disappointed [that] select committee roles [are] handed out as political prizes”.
And she praised the work of Mr McDonald, saying he had been “steadfast on foreign policy challenges and for the people of Ukraine” during his time on the committee.
Sky News has contacted the SNP for a response.
