The deputy leader for the SNP at Westminster has announced she is stepping down.
On Wednesday Kirsty Blackman made the announcement in a series of tweets.
The Aberdeen North MP said she was stepping back from the role in a bid to spend more time with her family and to focus on her mental health.
She said: “I have taken the difficult decision to stand down as @thesnp Deputy Leader in Westminster.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved as SNP Westminster Deputy Leader over the past three years.
“Together with our team of SNP MPs we have provided a strong voice for Scotland at a challenging time, won a landslide victory at the general election, and seen support for independence rise to record levels.”
Ms Blackman first became an SNP MP for Aberdeen North in 2015 and after retaining her seat in the 2017 snap election, took up the position of deputy leader for the party at Westminster.
She has held roles as the SNP Westminster spokesperson on the economy and the constitution.
‘I strongly believe that people must be able to talk openly about mental health issues, which affect so many of us’
Kirsty Blackman, SNP MP
In her statement, Ms Blackman said the coronavirus lockdown has had an impact on her mental health.
“Like many others, I’ve struggled with the impact that lockdown has had on my mental health.
“In order to prioritise my constituency and my family, I have made the difficult personal decision to step down from my Leadership role.
“I strongly believe that people must be able to talk openly about mental health issues, which affect so many of us.”
Ms Blackman will continue to represent Aberdeen North as a member of parliament.
“I look forward to continuing my work for Aberdeen North and standing up for Scotland at Westminster,” she added.
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