The Scottish National Party has been dealt a significant setback in the House of Commons as it was denied an automatic seat on the influential Scottish Affairs Committee – ahead of a hopeful Nicola Sturgeon appearance.
For nearly a decade, the SNP held a prominent role on this committee, with former MP Pete Wishart chairing it when the Nats were the third largest party in Westminster.
However, the party’s diminished presence at Westminster following a poor showing in the most recent General Election has left it without guaranteed representation.
Labour’s Patricia Ferguson, MP for Glasgow West, was named the new committee chair last month, marking a stark shift in the committee’s leadership.
The SNP, which saw its MPs reduced from 48 to nine in the last election in a humiliating blow to their dreams of Scottish independence, no longer meets the threshold for automatic committee seats in the House of Commons.
The Liberal Democrats, now the third-largest party at Westminster, secured two seats on the committee, adding to the noticeable decline of the SNP’s influence.
Despite the changes, there is a possibility that SNP’s Stephen Flynn could be nominated to fill the final vacant spot, thanks to Labour’s internal allocation choice.
A Commons statement noted that the current arrangement would likely conclude within a month, following negotiations between party whips.
According to Commons rules, party representation on committees is determined proportionally to the number of MPs, with specific allocations negotiated by the Committee of Selection.
The Scottish Affairs Committee, tasked with overseeing legislation affecting Scotland and examining the UK and Scottish governments’ relationship, was mid-inquiry into 25 years of devolution when it paused for the election.
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf were scheduled to appear before the committee as part of the inquiry. With a largely Labour-led and non-SNP membership, any future appearance by SNP representatives is expected to face sharper scrutiny.
An SNP spokesperson said: “It speaks volumes about the broken Westminster system that the SNP was not afforded an automatic place on the Scottish Affairs Committee, despite being Scotland’s party of government and winning more votes and seats in Scotland than other parties who have been given multiple places.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the party is negotiating to secure the additional seat.
“We will use our position to stand up for Scotland’s interests at Westminster,” they added.