Sturgeon: No need for Stewart Hosie to quit as Westminster deputy

Stewart Hosie could remain on as deputy leader of the SNP's Westminster group. Picture: Greg Macvean

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FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted there is no need for an SNP MP at the centre of love triangle allegations to quit as deputy leader of the party's Westminster group.

Ms Sturgeon praised Stuart Hosie for doing the “right thing in difficult circumstance” by standing down as deputy leader of the party nationally, but said there was no reason for him to leave the same post in London.

He is alleged to have had an affair with Westminster journalist Serena Cowdy, who was previously said to have been involved with Angus MacNeil, who represents Na h-Eileanan an Iar in the UK Parliament.

Asked if Mr Hosie, who will not seek re-election as the party’s deputy leader at the SNP’s autumn conference, should also stand down from his Westminster role, Ms Sturgeon said: “I don’t think that’s the case.

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“I think we have moved on from the sense that personal issues, issues relating to somebody’s private marriage, necessarily affect their ability to do their job. So I think Stuart’s done the right thing in difficult circumstances.

“These are difficult issues to deal with. They are fundamentally personal and private issues. Stuart’s been a great deputy leader of the SNP, and I am sorry that he will not be deputy leader after our conference in the autumn.

“But he has taken a decision that is in the interest of his family, and his health, that’s right that he steps down now, and I support him in that d