MP Pete Wishart takes swipe at new SNP Commons leader as two quit front bench

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An SNP MSP has said he is “bemused” that the party’s new Westminster leader sought the top job, as two of the party’s most senior politicians quit their front bench roles. “I also look forward to learning first-hand what you hope to do differently in the day-to-day management of the group.” However, the Perth and Perthshire North MP said Mr Flynn has his “full support”, adding “I remain at your service if you do wish to make use of my experience in the Westminster group.” Following the leadership change, Owen Thompson was replaced by Martin Docherty-Hughes as the party’s chief whip at Westminster. He congratulated Mr Flynn on his election and said he was confident the new leadership would keep the party’s unity at the “forefront”. In his TalkTV interview on Wednesday, Mr Blackford said: “I could have seen this off, I believe I would have won if I’d put myself forward.” He added: “Some people have a different way of wanting to do things and I think its fair to say that some people probably wanted to see the end of my backside off the front bench.