SNP MPs demand u-turn over Joanna Cherry election ruling

SNP MPs have written to Nicola Sturgeon and the party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) urging a u-turn on a move to stop current MPs standing for Holyrood.

Joanna Cherry has pulled out of the Edinburgh Central Holyrood contest

Former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard and Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil are among those who have put their names to the letter.

It comes after Joanna Cherry, the Edinburgh South West MP, abandoned plans to contest the Edinburgh Central seat at next year's Holyrood election after the rule change stated that candidates in such situations must first resign as MPs.

Thirteen MPs have backed the letter to Ms Sturgeon and the NEC which was obtained by the National newspaper.

“There are several arguments against this policy but there is a danger that giving up a Westminster constituency in advance of the Holyrood election could appear complacent and arrogant to the electorate, thus risking the loss of both seats,” the letter states.

“We therefore ask that the decision, which emerged from the last NEC meeting, be reversed without delay.”

Ms Cherry had been poised for a showdown with former SNP Deputy leader Angus Robertson in the Edinburgh Central constituency, but pulled out of the race in the aftermath of the NEC decision and was highly critical of the move.

The signatories to the letter are Douglas Chapman, Ronnie Cowan, Martyn Day, Allan Dorrans, Neale Hanvey, Kenny MacAskill, Angus MacNeil, Carol Monaghan, Tommy Sheppard, Chris Stephens and Richard Thomson, Steven Bonnar and John McNally . Ms Cherry herself did not sign the letter.

Former Scottish Government minister Marco Biaggi announced he would contest the seat after Ms Cherry pulled out.

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