Former Scottish National Party (SNP) MP Mhairi Black has made headlines with her recent decision to leave the party, a significant move in her political career that reflects broader tensions within the SNP regarding key social issues. Black, who previously served as the deputy leader of the SNP at Westminster, attributed her departure primarily to disagreements over the party’s positions on trans rights and the situation in Palestine. In a candid conversation with The Herald newspaper, she expressed her frustration, citing frequent instances where she felt the party made decisions that contradicted her values.
Black announced her decision just ahead of her performance titled “Work in Progress” at the Edinburgh Fringe, a platform showcasing her evolving narrative after stepping back from active politics. In her remarks, she highlighted that the SNP’s failure to stand firm on issues that mattered to her signaled a deeper ideological rift, stating, “Basically, for a long time, I’ve not agreed with quite a few decisions that have been made.” This declaration might suggest a transformative moment not only in her career but also a pivotal point for the SNP as it navigates complaints of capitulation on key issues.
Having entered the political arena with a splash at the young age of 20, Black rapidly became one of the SNP’s marquee figures when she was elected to represent Paisley and Renfrewshire South during the 2015 general election. Her win over well-established Labour MP Douglas Alexander was emblematic of the SNP’s formidable rise in that electoral cycle, significantly contributing to the party’s dominance across Scotland post-independence referendum in 2014. Despite these early successes, her journey has been characterized by challenges, including serious concerns about safety, social media abuse, and mental health pressures, all of which influenced her decision to step away from the political stage and ultimately from the SNP.
As a vocal advocate for progressive causes, Black’s discontent with the SNP’s recent trajectory on social issues has been evident over time. In earlier interviews, she has voiced her disdain for what she perceives as a “toxic environment” within Westminster, alongside struggling with her own mental health issues such as burnout linked to her role as a public figure. During the discussion surrounding the aspirations for trans rights, Black criticized the party for not being proactive and indicated a shift towards a more left-leaning stance herself. She has also expressed skepticism regarding the SNP’s response to Palestine, which she regards as reflecting a capitulation to political pressures rather than a firm stance on human rights.
Her departure garnered mixed reactions, with current SNP leadership expressing regret over her decision. First Minister John Swinney, offering a nuanced response, acknowledged Black’s contributions and voiced his hope that she might reconsider her exit from the SNP. In his comments, he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to being a robust defender of LGBT rights and addressing issues regarding the Palestinian people, areas that Black feels the party has not adequately engaged with.
In reflecting on Black’s trajectory, it is clear that her journey encapsulates the complexities faced by political figures in navigating party alignments while adhering to personal ideology and values. Her bold move to exit the SNP suggests a renewed focus on authenticity and principles in an evolving political landscape. As she prepares to embark on new pursuits outside of party politics, her future directions remain uncertain yet anticipated, possibly leading her to explore different avenues for advocacy and expression, particularly as she prepares to take the stage at the Edinburgh Fringe. Her departure signifies a punctuated moment in her political narrative, leaving observers speculating about the implications this may have for the SNP and Scotland’s political climate at large.
