David Linden quits SNP front bench at Westminster to ‘focus on constituency’
An SNP MP has quit the party’s front bench at Westminster, he has announced on social media.
David Linden, who served as the party’s work and pensions spokesman, said he wanted to “focus all my efforts on dealing more with day-to-day constituency work”.
Announcing the resignation on Twitter on Tuesday, the MP for Glasgow East said: “It’s been a privilege to serve on the SNP frontbench in Westminster, but I’ve decided to step down in order to focus more of my time on constituency casework.”
It's been a privilege to serve on the SNP frontbench in Westminster, but I've decided to step down in order to focus more of my time on constituency casework. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ZNhmtg4tvv
— David Linden MP (@DavidLinden) March 29, 2022
He added: “Twelve years of Tory austerity has already hammered the very poorest in our communities – and the current cost of living crisis is only making that even worse, so I want to focus all my efforts on dealing more with day-to-day constituency work.”
Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, thanked him for “his tireless work” and added: “He’s been an outstanding advocate for the most vulnerable and has led on key campaigns on opposing Universal Credit cuts and holding the UK Gov to account.”
I want to thank @DavidLinden for his tireless work as the SNP's Work & Pensions spokesperson.
He's been an outstanding advocate for the most vulnerable and has led on key campaigns on opposing Universal Credit cuts and holding the UK Gov to account. https://t.co/zQeHELRzEm
— Ian Blackford 🇺🇦🏴 (@Ianblackford_MP) March 29, 2022
Mr Linden is now set to be replaced by Kirsty Blackman, the MP for Aberdeen North and the party’s former deputy leader in the House of Commons.
I am delighted to be returning to the frontbench to take on my new role as @theSNP’s Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at Westminster 1/
— Kirsty Blackman (@KirstySNP) March 29, 2022
Mr Blackford said she “brings to the role a wealth of experience in Westminster and will play a crucial role in challenging the DWP and championing people’s priorities”.