SNP MP Neale Hanvey sacked from Westminster frontbench

SNP MP Neale Hanvey has been sacked from his frontbench role as vaccines spokesman at Westminster

He was given the job last week during a controversial reshuffle which saw Joanna Cherry removed as home affairs spokeswoman.

An SNP source claimed Mr Hanvey had backed a campaign to sue another MP, Kirsty Blackman.

A party spokesman said: "Neale Hanvey was given the opportunity to apologise for his actions."

He added: "These are incompatible with the responsibilities of a frontbench spokesperson, including the requirement for teamwork and collective responsibility.

"He failed to do so and he has been removed from his position."

Ms Blackman is the SNP's former deputy leader at Westminster.

She recently had a public clash with Joanna Cherry on Twitter over the party's approach to transgender rights.

Mr Hanvey, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, wrote on Twitter on Saturday: "It's been a long, stressful & tiring day, yet my principles are intact.

He added: "My late mum was a feisty Trades Union woman and since the 50s she fearlessly took on misogyny.

"She will always be my absolute hero. Her values describe where my loyalty rests."

In 2019 Mr Hanvey was suspended by the SNP for using anti-Semitic language on social media.

He apologised for any offence caused in the days following his suspension.