Dave Doogan has been elected unanimously as the new SNP Westminster leader following the departure of Stephen Flynn.
The leadership change follows Flynn’s election to the Scottish Parliament last week after winning the Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine seat.
Flynn is expected to formally step down as an MP at Westminster in the coming days.
Doogan has represented Angus and Perthshire Glens since first being elected to Westminster in 2019.
He was re elected in 2024 with 40 percent of the vote and a majority of 4,870.
Before entering Westminster politics, Doogan served as leader of the SNP group on Perth and Kinross Council and previously worked as an aircraft engineer for the Ministry of Defence specialising in Sea King Search and Rescue aircraft.
The new SNP Westminster leader said his immediate focus would be on the cost of living crisis and Scotland’s constitutional future.
Doogan said:
“Following a swift timetable for an orderly leadership transition, I’m delighted to have been elected as the new SNP Westminster Leader at a crucial time for Scotland’s future and our journey to independence.
“While Westminster is, yet again, consumed by chaos and bitter infighting, I will be laser focused on the issues that really matter to people in Scotland.
“That means demanding urgent action on the cost of living and securing a fresh start from the constant crisis of Westminster control as an independent country.”
Doogan also criticised Brexit, rising energy bills and what he described as repeated failures from successive Westminster governments.
“Everyday, families in Scotland are paying the price for Westminster failure.
“I will do everything I can to hold the UK government to account and secure that fresh start of independence, so Scotland can use our huge energy wealth to lower bills and invest in our communities.”
Doogan also thanked Stephen Flynn for his support and friendship during their time working together at Westminster.
Flynn said:
“While it might not be the resignation everyone in Westminster was waiting for, I have left my role as the SNP leader at Westminster before I soon depart full time to Scotland’s national parliament.
“I want to congratulate Dave Doogan on his unanimous election.
“At a time when the Labour government is plunging the UK into yet another crisis, while families suffer from the soaring cost of living, it has never been more important to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland and our future as an independent country.”
