JOANNA Cherry’s sacking from the SNP’s Westminster front bench was a “big mistake”, one of the party’s MPs has claimed.
Former Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill told the BBC’s Politics Live that he was bemused by the decision and said that “several others” saw the demoted QC as a potential leader.
The Edinburgh South West MP – who has been a vocal critic of her party’s plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act – was taken off her justice brief on Monday, amid reports of disagreements with colleagues.
However, MacAskill, who, like Cherry is a close ally of Alex Salmond, said the ousted QC was likely the most popular politician in the party.
He said: “The party had a National Council of national elections just at the end of November, Joanna was returned by the barrel load out as the most popular politician.
“The rank and file endorsed Joanna by well over 50% and clearly she is the most popular politician within the SNP.”
The East Lothian MP added: “I’ve no doubt she is a potential leader, absolutely. There is no vacancy at the present moment, but there is Joanna and there are several others who are equally talented.”
On Monday night Cherry revealed she had received a “vicious threat” to her personal safety.
The MP said her colleagues were in part to blame.
Kirsten Oswald, the SNP’s Deputy Westminster leader tweeted: “I’m glad Joanna is safe.
“Too many people making threats to mostly female politicians of all parties and this must stop.”
Cherry replied: “Thank you but this is what happens when you sanction & enable misogyny. Let’s have some action not just handwringing #DeedsNotWords.”
Kirsty Blackman, the SNP MP for Aberdeen North, tweeted: “Horrified to hear that one of my colleagues received a threat last night.”
Cherry replied: “Thank you for your concern but this is what can happen when you rile up your base with lies and smears.”
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