An SNP MP says he has been “removed” from the Foreign Affairs Committee due to changes at the top of his party in parliament.

The Westminster grouping chose a new leader earlier this month in Stephen Flynn after Ian Blackford, who had held the role for over five years, announced he was stepping down.

But rumours were abound that is was more of a coup, with staunch supporters of SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon being sidelined by MPs looking for change – something Mr Flynn and his supporters have denied.

A number of SNP frontbenchers have announced they are stepping away from their roles as party spokespeople following Mr Flynn’s takeover.

And now Stewart McDonald claims to have become the latest casualty of the reshuffle.

Tweeting on Sunday, he said: “Although I had hoped to continue on the committee following recent changes in our SNP Westminster group, I am to be removed from tomorrow.

“I’ve enjoyed my time working with some great colleagues and clerks.”

SNP reveals new plan to secure indyref2 without Westminster backing

Stephen Flynn’s coup may have been bloodless – but he has bruising battles ahead

Scotland and SNP will find another way to independence, Nicola Sturgeon vows

The Tory chair of the group, Alicia Kearns, attacked the move, saying she was “deeply disappointed [that] select committee roles [are] handed out as political prizes”.

And she praised the work of Mr McDonald, saying he had been “steadfast on foreign policy challenges and for the people of Ukraine” during his time on the committee.

Sky News has contacted the SNP for a response.

Related posts:

Johnson and Starmer speak of ‘hope’ after ‘dark days’ of pandemic in Easter messages Cummings blasts both Johnson and Starmer in tirade – and predicts how Labour could ‘win next general election easy’ Scotland to lift most legal COVID restrictions next week, Sturgeon confirms ‘I don’t feel snubbed’: Sturgeon on PM declining invitation to meet People can go abroad ‘without looking over their shoulders the whole time’ following travel changes Jacob Rees-Mogg fires warning shot over national insurance hike to fund social care Pre-departure COVID tests return for all UK arrivals – as another country added to red list Reducing isolation period would ‘help’ but govt has to be ‘careful’, minister says PM dodges question on if he attended Downing St party in lockdown PM attended ‘bring your own booze’ event in No 10 garden during first lockdown Sunak says govt’s response to cost of living pressures will ‘evolve’ – but no immediate measures announced Plaid Cymru councillor’s ‘xenophobic’ gun photo investigated by police