A Potential Return to Politics for Ian Blackford
Ian Blackford, the former leader of the SNP at Westminster, has recently found himself in the spotlight as he considers a potential return to frontline politics. This comes after Kate Forbes announced her decision to step down from her role, which has led to calls from supporters urging him to run for the Deputy First Minister’s current constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch in the upcoming Holyrood elections. While he is giving the matter careful consideration, Blackford has not made any definitive plans to run.
Blackford had previously chosen not to put his name forward as a candidate, and he emphasized that standing in the election was not part of his original intentions before Forbes’ announcement. His potential return could reignite tensions within the SNP, particularly with current Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who ousted him in a coup and is now seeking to be elected to Holyrood. Some members of the party are also unhappy with Blackford’s performance in the Commons, especially regarding his handling of controversies such as the harassment complaint against his former chief whip, Patrick Grady.
Despite these challenges, Blackford has received several phone calls from individuals encouraging him to stand. He expressed concern about the UK economy and wants to explore ways to improve it. However, he acknowledged that making a decision is not an easy one and that he will need to carefully consider his options.
His past actions have drawn criticism, including how he handled a harassment complaint involving Grady and allegations that his campaign team harassed Charles Kennedy, the late former Liberal Democrat leader, ahead of the 2015 general election. Blackford stepped down as MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber at last year’s general election, and the SNP lost the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire seat to Liberal Democrat Angus MacDonald.
Reactions from Other Political Parties
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Blackford returning to politics, stating that they would be delighted to have him as an opponent. He highlighted the SNP’s failures in areas such as healthcare access and the local economy, suggesting that Blackford’s return could provide an opportunity for the Lib Dems to make their case.
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives warned that any return by Blackford could cause internal strife within the SNP. They suggested that key figures would be in conflict, and old wounds could resurface. The prospect of Blackford re-entering politics could lead to significant tension among SNP leaders.
If Blackford decides to run, he would need approval from party headquarters and the local constituency, as he is not currently an approved candidate. He mentioned that his decision depends on how people view the change in circumstances caused by Forbes’ resignation.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
Blackford has praised Forbes for her positive contributions as an MSP and minister, acknowledging that it was sad she chose to move on for her own reasons. Meanwhile, Forbes has hinted at the possibility of returning to politics in the future, though she remains uncertain about the timeline.
She also addressed the lack of support for parents in Holyrood, emphasizing the need for better childcare facilities. She pointed out that children can only stay in the parliament creche for three hours a day, which she believes limits the representation of parents in the political arena.
Forbes called for changes to ensure a more diverse and representative parliament, highlighting the importance of having parents involved in the political process. Her comments reflect a broader concern about the challenges faced by working parents in the political landscape.