PMQs: Mhairi Black mocks Tory electoral prospects telling Oliver Dowden 'we'll be leaving at the same time'

The SNP Westminster deputy leader Mhairi Black made the comment after announcing she’ll be standing down at the next general election

Mhairi Black has mocked the electoral prospects of Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, telling him they’ll both be leaving Westminster at “the same time”.

The SNP Westminster deputy leader announced she would be standing down at the next general election, prompting a tribute for her hard work from Mr Dowden.

Filling in for the SNP’s Stephen Flynn with political leaders at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS, Ms Black responded with a joke about him losing his seat.

She had opened questioning the stance of Labour and the Conservatives over the role of the private sector in the NHS.

The Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP said: “As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the health services in the UK, I want to reflect on two quotes from two people. The first one is ‘it’s about using the private sector more, something we should be very comfortable with’.

The second quote is ‘people go as NHS patients to the private sector and we could do more of it’. Can I ask the Deputy Prime Minister, which quote is from the PM and which is from the Leader of the Opposition?”

Mr Dowden replied “how sorry he was to hear that [she] will be standing down at the next election”. He added: “She and I joined this House at the same time and I know she has contributed much to her party and to this place.”

SNP's Mhairi Black mocked Oliver Dowden during Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Dowden continued: “I’m sure she will wish to join me in celebrating His Majesty King Charles receiving the Scottish regalia, pretty much as we speak. There’s always time for a [Damascene] conversion.

“When it comes to the NHS, I will take absolutely no lectures from either party on it. It has been there for me. I was born in an NHS hospital, my children were born in an NHS hospital. It’s been there for me and my family and this Government has put record funding into it.”

To laughter from across the house, including Mr Dowden and his colleagues, Ms Black joked in response: "I thank him for his kinds words. We did join this place at the same time, and I'm pretty sure we'll be leaving at the same time”.