Blackford 'plans to go back to frontline' as Forbes successor

IAN Blackford, the veteran former SNP Westminster leader, is contemplating a return to frontline politics to replace Kate Forbes next year.

- By David Walker

He has claimed that he is being encouraged to make a shock political comeback as an MSP to fend off the Scottish Lib Dems in a close battle in the Highlands. However, the move could cause tensions in the Holyrood group of MSPs.

The news was greeted with delight by Scottish Tories.

A party spokeswoman said: "Any return of Ian Blackford to frontline politics would threaten to tear apart the SNP.

"Key figures would be fighting like Nats in a sack and old wounds would instantly be reopened. If John Swinney and Stephen Flynn had any hair left they'd be ripping it out at the prospect of their former Westminster leader looking to come back and settle some old scores." Mr Blackford is seen as a divisive figure, but is a loyal ally of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney.