Ex-SNP MP Angus MacNeil has said he will stand as an independent candidate in his Na h-Eileanan Siar constituency unless there is a "substantial change of direction" in the party's leadership.
Speaking at a meeting of Yes Fraserburgh, Brochers for Independence and Alba Party supporters, Mr MacNeil had to deliver his speech via a Zoom call due to what he said was "no plane connection whatsoever" to the mainland.
He said: "Unless there is a substantial change of direction in the leadership of the SNP, I am reconciled to fighting the election as an independent candidate.
"I can do no other and retain my freedom and ability to defend my constituents on issues such as ferries and fishing without fear or favour and no amount of aggressive whipping can persuade me otherwise."
READ MORE: Angus MacNeil suspended from the SNP over row with chief whip
Mr MacNeil was expelled from his former party last month after he reportedly clashed with chief whip Brendan O'Hara.
He was initially suspended from the Westminster group, but said he would not rejoin after it had lifted.
The MP, who has represented Na h-Eileanan Siar since 2005, told the meeting that loyalty to his area came first.
Mr MacNeil said: "For me as an MP loyalty to constituency comes first, country next and then and only then to party. I say this as a former SNP member of 30 years standing."
He hit out at the Scottish Government's record on ferries and the proposed plans for highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) Mr MacNeil said: "As an island MP, first and foremost, my job is to campaign for better services and to criticise and demand change in the Calmac/Scottish Government ferry policies where appropriate.
READ MORE: Angus MacNeil blasts SNP's 'high and mighty attitude'
"Unfortunately, the Holyrood Government is hypersensitive to criticism, whether it be about ferries or the crazy fishing ban proposals or policies for independence."
He also criticised the SNP's approach to independence at the meeting, saying: "Going cap in hand to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom last year was a clueless political manoeuvre."
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel