Stephen Flynn elected as Scottish National Party’s Westminster leader

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) - Stephen Flynn was elected Tuesday as the Scottish National Party’s new Westminster leader.

Flynn replaces Ian Blackford, who held the role for five years and said recently he would not run for reelection.

The decision to elect Flyyn took place at the SNP's annual general meeting.

Mhairi Black was elected Westminster deputy leader.

Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon sent congratulations on Twitter.

"Congratulations to new SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and deputy leader Mhairi Black - a truly formidable team. Looking forward to working with them both," he wrote.