Isle MP, Angus MacNeil, has urged the SNP, his former party, not to contest the Western Isles seat at the next UK General Election.
The prospect of two pro-independence candidates is expected to divide support amongst voters, and risks paving the way for Labour’s candidate, Torcuil Crichton, to win the contest.
The MP - who is not affiliated to any political party since he was ousted from the SNP in August - made it clear he fully intends to stand in the election which is expected to be called by the end of 2024.
“As the SNP do not have a candidate, they should not put forward a candidate at this stage, as this might split the pro-independence vote in Na h-Eileanan an Iar, as people have said they feared,” he stated.
The Alba Party promised not to field a rival candidate and Mr MacNeil believes his former party should follow suit and “work together towards the collective aim of independence.”
Mr MacNeil said: “I again reiterate my call to Humza Yousaf for the SNP to do the same for independence. After all, I did not leave the SNP, the SNP left me, by expelling me over the independence strategy. They need to work together and think again.”
Isles MP seeks clear run for pro-independence vote at next election
26 October 2023
