THE frontrunner in a bitter SNP selection battle has signalled a rival should be allowed to join the contest without “interference”.
Former SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson made the call after MP Joanna Cherry dropped plans to be a candidate in Edinburgh Central after obstacles were put in her way by the party.
He said: “The SNP NEC [national executive committee] has made the wrong decision.”
Edinburgh Central is a Tory seat at Holyrood held by Ruth Davidson, but the SNP believes it is winnable and a number of senior party figures have been eyeing the candidacy for next year’s election.
Robertson, a close political ally of the First Minister, has already launched his campaign to be the SNP candidate, and was expected to be joined by Edinburgh South West MP Cherry.
She is a supporter of former First Minister Alex Salmond and any contest between them was being seen as a proxy battle.
However, the SNP’s governing NEC last week decided to require MPs wanting to switch to Holyrood to stand down from Westminster before the Scottish Parliament election.
This effectively meant Cherry would be unemployed for a period and risk having no job if she failed to win Edinburgh Central.
Cherry described the decision at the time as “unprecedented” and “unreasonable” and pulled out of standing.
The contest has since hotted up after the emergence of former Minister Marco Biagi, who used to represent Edinburgh Central, and activist Lee-Anne Menzies, as selection hopefuls.
After Biagi declared his interest in the seat last night, Robertson tweeted criticism of the NEC on the decision affecting Cherry:
“Edinburgh Central SNP members have been let down with some feeling their choices being restricted. The SNP NEC has made the wrong decision and must ensure the widest and fairest contest. We need the best candidate to win the nomination without any interference.
“As former SNP Depute Leader and Business Convener of the party it disappoints me that we are distracted from delivering independence. We have to unite and ensure we have the broadest and strongest team standing for the Scottish Parliament. Together we will win.”
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil tweeted: “Fair play here, Angus is correct and NEC were wrong as he says, NEC have to do the obvious reverse and fast.”
Biagi wrote: "Edinburgh Central SNP needs a candidate who can bring members together; one who knows the constituency and its issues inside-out. Above all, we deserve choice. Activists have been asking me to stand again for the seat I used to represent. I have now agreed to put my name forward."
Menzies tweeted: "Subject to @theSNP vetting procedure, I will be seeking nomination to represent @EdinCentralSNP in #SP2021 We need more diversity within #Holyrood Working class women need to see themselves reflected in their Parliament."
