MP Kirsten Oswald has been elected unopposed as the new SNP Westminster Deputy Leader, following the decision of Kirsty Blackman to stand down.
The member for East Renfrewshire will join Ian Blackford in leading the SNP team of 48 MPs at Westminster.
The vacancy arose after Blackman announced she was resigning as Blackford’s second in command after speaking openly about the effect of the lockdown on her mental health.
She will continue as MP for Aberdeen North and will concentrate on her family and constituency work.
Oswald, who is also the SNP’s business convener, had no rival candidates so an internal election did not go ahead.
Joanna Cherry, the party's Justice spokeswoman, ruled herself out early on and others considering a run decided not to launch a challenge.
Oswald said she looked forward to working in her new role.
Oswald, who has a background in human resources, reclaimed the East Renfrewshire seat from the Conservatives in last December’s general election.
She had taken the seat from Labour’s Jim Murphy in 2015 but lost to Paul Masterton in the 2017 election.
Blackford said: “I congratulate Kirsten on her election. She brings a wealth of talent and experience to the role, and I look forward to working together to continue providing a strong voice for Scotland at Westminster.
“This is an important time as we deal with the covid-19 crisis and look to build a fairer Scotland. With the threat of a Tory Brexit growing, and crucial decisions over the economic emergency, Kirsten will play a key role as we hold the Tory government to account.”
