Stephen Flynn (Scottish politician)
Stephen Flynn | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Leader of the Scottish National Party in the House of Commons | |
| Assumed office 6 December 2022 | |
| Deputy | Mhairi Black |
| Leader | Nicola Sturgeon Humza Yousaf |
| Preceded by | Ian Blackford |
| SNP Spokesperson for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in the House of Commons | |
| In office 1 February 2021 – 6 December 2022 | |
| Leader | Ian Blackford |
| Preceded by | Drew Hendry |
| Succeeded by | Alan Brown (Energy and Industrial Strategy) |
| Member of Parliament for Aberdeen South | |
| Assumed office 12 December 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Ross Thomson |
| Majority | 3,990 (8.7%) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Stephen Mark Flynn 13 October 1988 Dundee, Scotland |
| Political party | Scottish National Party |
| Spouse | Lynn Flynn |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Dundee |
Stephen Mark Flynn[1] (born 13 October 1988)[2] is a Scottish politician who has served as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the House of Commons since December 2022. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Aberdeen South since the 2019 general election.[3]
In December 2022, Flynn announced his intention to run in the election to succeed Ian Blackford as the SNP Westminster leader.[4] He defeated Alison Thewliss to become leader.[5]
Early life
Flynn was born in Dundee, and was schooled in both Brechin and Dundee. He studied at the University of Dundee, graduating with an undergraduate Master of Arts (MA Hons) in the study of history and politics, and an Master of Letters (MLitt) degree in the study of international politics and security studies.[6]
Political career
Flynn was first elected to Aberdeen City Council for the Kincorth/Nigg/Cove Ward in 2015 and served as leader of the SNP group on Aberdeen City Council from 2016 till his election to Parliament in 2019.[7]
He succeeded Ross Thomson as MP for Aberdeen South, who announced in November 2019 that he would not contest the seat.[8]
Following his election, Flynn was immediately appointed to the role of Shadow Chief Financial Secretary to the Treasury.[9]
Flynn was promoted to the front bench in February 2021 as SNP Spokesperson for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.[9]
SNP Westminster leader
Following Ian Blackford's announcement on 1 December 2022 that—at the Westminster Group's next AGM—he intended to stand down as the Westminster Group Leader,[10] Flynn announced his candidacy and succeeded Blackford on 6 December. Flynn was elected by fellow Scottish National Party MPs, returning a 26-17 majority over candidate Alison Thewliss.[11]
Initial speculation of a 'hostile takeover' by Flynn was denied by Flynn and Blackford,[12] as well as by SNP Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon, who insisted that "it's not a coup".[13]
PMQs
Flynn made his debut PMQs appearance on 7 December, praising Blackford for his lengthy service and questioning Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the energy crisis and Scottish independence.[14]
Personal life
Flynn has two children with his wife, Lynn.[15]
He is a supporter of Dundee United Football Club, having been a season ticket holder since 1993,[16] and named Bruce Springsteen as his dream dinner guest.[6]
Flynn has suffered from a serious condition called avascular necrosis since his teens and underwent surgery for it in 2020.[17]
References
- ^ "Members Sworn". Hansard.parliament.uk. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
- ^ Brunskill, Ian (19 March 2020). The Times guide to the House of Commons 2019 : the definitive record of Britain's historic 2019 General Election. p. 76. ISBN 978-0-00-839258-1. OCLC 1129682574.
- ^ "General Election 2019: Aberdeen South Parliamentary constituency". BBC News. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- ^ PA Media (5 December 2022). "Stephen Flynn announces candidacy for SNP leadership". The Guardian.
- ^ "Stephen Flynn elected as new SNP leader at Westminster". BBC News. 6 December 2022. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
- ^ a b "Getting to know you: Stephen Flynn". Holyrood. 2 December 2020. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ Ewen, David (15 March 2013). "Aberdeen SNP group announces new leader". Evening Express. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- ^ Campsie, Alison (12 December 2019). "General Election 2019: SNP steal Ross Thomson's old Aberdeen South seat from Tories". The Scotsman. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
- ^ a b "Stephen Flynn". UK Parliament. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ "Ian Blackford to stand down as SNP leader at Westminster". BBC News. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
- ^ Sim, Philip (6 December 2022). "Stephen Flynn elected as new SNP leader at Westminster". BBC News. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
- ^ "Blackford denies being pushed out by SNP MPs". BBC News. 4 December 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
- ^ "Ian Blackford: Why has SNP Westminster chief stepped down?". BBC News. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
- ^ Source: Parliament Live (7 December 2022). "Sunak 'needs to up his game', says SNP's Stephen Flynn – video". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
- ^ Merson, Adele (1 December 2022). "Who is Stephen Flynn? The Aberdeen MP who is now SNP Westminster leader". The Press and Journal. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ Merson, Adele (9 December 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn on 'crap' party split talk and campaigning in Aberdeen wearing Dundee United top". The Press and Journal. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ Scott, Kevin (6 December 2022). "Stephen Flynn: Who is the SNP's new Westminster leader?". STV. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
External links
- Profile at Parliament of the United Kingdom
- Contributions in Parliament at Hansard
- Voting record at Public Whip
- Record in Parliament at TheyWorkForYou
- Profile on SNP website
- Stephen Flynn on X
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