Ian Blackford: 'No failure of leadership around bullying allegations within SNP'

SNP Wesminster leader Ian Blackford denied there had been a failure within the SNP to deal with bullying allegations.

The SNP has not suffered a failure of leadership around its handling of bullying and harassment allegations within its party, its Westminster leader has said.

Ian Blackford, speaking to the Scottish Parliamentary Journalists' Association, also defended his party’s record on campaigning for independence, disputing accusations the SNP has not done enough to build a convincing case for an independent Scotland.

The SNP has been dogged by accusations that is has mishandled alleged bullying towards high-profile MP, Joanna Cherry.

Ms Cherry, whose gender critical opinions have brought her into conflict with the party leadership and fellow members, was sacked from Mr Blackford’s front bench earlier this year.

The Edinburgh South West MP has spoken openly about the threats of violence, sometimes of a sexual nature against her, and has criticised the SNP’s leadership’s response to members allegedly amplifying and encouraging the bullying.

Writing on Monday, Ms Cherry said she had contemplated leaving elected politics due to the abuse and blamed some institutions for being “guilty of reinforcing and amplifying disturbing levels of intolerance”.

However, when asked if there has been a failure of leadership within the SNP to deal with the abuse faced by Ms Cherry and other members, Mr Blackford was emphatic in his response, stating “no.”

Asked if had offered personal support to Ms Cherry, he added that a lot of MPs had been “traumatised” by “unacceptable behaviour” over the last few years, and argued it is “fair to say this has got worse”.

Mr Blackford added: “"I am concerned that there is a toxicity in our politics.

"All of us and this is true for politicians and the media as well, we are all participants in this, and we’ve all got a responsibility to make sure we can get to a better place because, to be blunt, I am not sure as things today I would encourage any young person to think about standing for public office because there are genuine fears that people have.”

Pressed on his support for Ms Cherry, the senior SNP figure said every colleague within the party is offered support.

He said: “It is really important we do offer that to people and I can absolutely assure you that that is done and it is done in all cases.

"I will always make sure that every colleague, whether that’s a member of parliament or whether it’s a member of staff, will be offered support."