Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation could prompt a major rethink around the SNP’s plans for Indyref2, the party’s Westminster leader has suggested.

The first minister previously announced her intention to fight the next UK general election as a de facto referendum on independence.

Following the decision of the UK Supreme Court that Holyrood could not legislate for another referendum on its own, a special conference was scheduled for 19 March to discuss the next steps.

But with Ms Sturgeon’s surprise announcement of her resignation on Wednesday, the conference has now been cast into doubt.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘I think it’s sensible that we do hit the pause button’

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told Sky News that the party was in an “incredibly strong position” but the conference should be postponed to allow for a leadership race and for the new first minister to set our their vision.

He said: “The de facto referendum was obviously put forward by the first minister and we were going to be discussing and debating the merits of that at that party conference.

“I personally think that party conference should be paused, for obvious reasons.

“I think the new leader should have the opportunity and indeed the space to set out their position, their values and their intentions going forward.

“So that would be my take in relation to that. I think it’s sensible that we do hit the pause button on that conference and allow the new leader the opportunity to set out their vision.”

Read more:
Nicola Sturgeon resigns as Scotland’s first minister
Race to replace Sturgeon under way
Sturgeon’s time as first minister in 10 charts
The recent controversies which piled on the pressure

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

‘A new leader will wish to revisit the strategy’

Fergus Ewing MSP, who has been a vocal opponent of the Scottish government’s plans to launch its bottle deposit return scheme in August, also does not believe the conference should go ahead.

The SNP MSP for Inverness and Nairn told Sky News: “A new leader will wish to revisit the strategy and the party focus now will obviously be on the leadership contest.

“The contest is indeed an opportunity to discuss and debate how we advance our cause, and what changes of approach will assist that.

“Changes of approach are required to rebuild relationships with business, to focus more on delivery of a strong stable economy, which is essential for us to build further support for independence, and also to deliver on the bread and butter issues that matter most to people in Scotland.”

Rebel SNP MSP Ash Regan, who resigned as community safety minister over the controversial Gender Recognition Reform Bill, also backs the idea of moving the conference.

Both Ms Regan and Joanna Cherry MP are also calling for all members who left the party in the last year to be allowed to rejoin to participate in the leadership election.

Related posts:

Ministers set to decide on overhaul of self-isolation rules for school ‘bubble’ system NHS England to be led by woman for first time as continuity candidate takes charge Holocaust memorial at Westminster gets government go-ahead after rejection overturned Infected blood victims ask for censure of ‘arrogant, pompous and contemptuous’ Ken Clarke ‘Absolutely nothing to indicate’ new lockdown is needed, says Boris Johnson Labour criticises controversial change to social care reforms but fails to provide alternative Uplifting, funny and full of warmth: Murdered MP’s character shone through in Westminster service PM risks further anger over social care reforms as he appears to step back from manifesto commitment Boris Johnson set to announce extension of right to buy Labour to push for no confidence vote in government Sunak says he will ‘not demonise’ Johnson – as first candidate pulls out of leadership race Inflation-busting pay rises for public sector workers ‘unaffordable’, says minister