Ian Blackford

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Right Honourable

Ian Blackford

MP
Official portrait of Rt Hon Ian Blackford MP crop 2.jpg
Blackford in 2020
Leader of the Scottish National Party
in the House of Commons
Assumed office
14 June 2017
DeputyKirsty Blackman
Kirsten Oswald
LeaderNicola Sturgeon
Preceded byAngus Robertson
Member of Parliament
for Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Assumed office
7 May 2015
Preceded byCharles Kennedy
Majority9,443 (23.7%)
Personal details
Born (1961-05-14) 14 May 1961 (age 60)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Political partyScottish National Party
Spouse(s)
Ann Yeoman
​
(m. 2002)​
Websitewww.ianblackford.scot

Ian Blackford (born 14 May 1961) is a Scottish politician serving as Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the House of Commons since 2017. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ross, Skye and Lochaber since 2015.

Originally from Edinburgh, he previously worked as an investment banker and has been involved with various business ventures since. He was the national treasurer of the SNP from 1999 to 2000. Blackford has been the SNP Westminster Leader since Angus Robertson lost his seat at the 2017 snap general election.

Early life[]

Blackford was born in Edinburgh and educated at the Royal High School, Edinburgh.[1][2][3]

Early and political career[]

Banking and business[]

Blackford worked as an analyst with NatWest Securities,[4] before moving to a managerial role. The company was bought by BT Alex. Brown, and Blackford became the managing director.[5] After further integration into Deutsche Bank AG in 1999, Blackford ran Deutsche Bank's equity operations in Scotland and the Netherlands.[6] Following 20 years in the financial industry, he left to do independent consultancy work, forming an investor relations company called First Seer in 2002.[7]

In 2005, Blackford joined the Dutch food and biochemicals company CSM as an investor relations manager.[8] He was appointed non-executive chairman of the Edinburgh-based telecommunications firm Commsworld in 2006,[9] having joined the board as a non-executive director in 2005.[7][10] He is a trustee at the Golden Charter Trust.[11] In 2013, he helped explain the business case for not closing a primary school in Milngavie when East Dunbartonshire Council had proposed closure.[12] Blackford is the chair of Commsworld plc, a telecoms company, and a millionaire.[13] He is a supporter of Hibernian F.C.[14]

Glendale Trust[]

He was previously the chairman of the Glendale Trust, an organisation responsible for a community-owned estate on Skye, which made an approach to Highland Council to bring a historic pier under community control.[15] Under his chairmanship, support was secured for establishing a heritage centre in 2010.[16] He had also been a member of the FlySkye group, campaigning to bring commercial air services back to Skye.[17][18]

Political career[]

Blackford stood as the SNP candidate for the Ayr constituency at the 1997 general election, but lost to Sandra Osborne of the Labour Party.

Later during the same year, he stood as the Scottish National Party (SNP) candidate in the Paisley 1997 by-election[19] but again he was unsuccessful; the contest had the lowest turnout at a by-election in Scotland for thirty years.

Blackford had been treasurer of the SNP and during this time he began to be viewed as a critic of the party leader, Alex Salmond.[20] Blackford was removed from the post in 2000 via a vote of no confidence, after he had tried to impose financial controls to tackle the party's overdraft.[21] However, the limits for expenditure which he set were not adhered to.[22] Blackford's reputedly hard line over financial matters had led to a breakdown of trust between him and the national executive and at one point he even threatened to sue party leader, Alex Salmond, for defamation.[23][24] A profile in Holyrood magazine opined that, "Blackford’s mistake was firstly, in underestimating the popularity of Salmond and the size of his power base and secondly, in committing the cardinal sin of washing the party’s dirty washing in public and not keeping it ‘within the family’."[24]

His opinion of Salmond mellowed after his election to Westminster and in 2018 he said: "I don’t hate Alex. He has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today... So we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Alex.”[24]

Blackford has argued for better telecommunication infrastructure for rural areas, noting that video-conferencing is one way of overcoming travel time and in the absence of air links.[25] Following the Financial crisis of 2007–2008 he has made calls for Scotland to have its own financial regulator, to protect society from irresponsible practices.[26][27] Blackford has also suggested that a zero rate of capital gains tax could help Scotland to attract investment.[28]

Following the electorate's decision to reject independence at the referendum on 18 September 2014, Blackford argued that Scotland should consider the constitutional change offered by the main unionist parties.[29] He was the author of a report which had explored options for the banking sector in Scotland, had the country voted to become independent.[30]

In January 2015, it was announced that Blackford would be the SNP candidate for Ross, Skye and Lochaber at the 2015 general election.[31] The campaign attracted national attention because of its acrimony; Blackford objected to being called a “well-funded banker” and confronted incumbent MP Charles Kennedy in his office.[32] Liberal Democrats accused the Blackford of dog whistling about Kennedy's struggles with alcoholism.[33] Leaflets were distributed telling voters "Why bottle it? Make a Change!",[34] however, the SNP denied responsibility for their distribution and condemned them.[35] Former Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell labelled the campaign, "far and away the most despicable I encountered in all my years in UK politics."[35] However, Blackford said he was "proud" of the campaign and claimed there was “absolutely no issue” between himself and Kennedy before his death in June 2015.[36] He received 20,119 votes and 48.1% of the vote, defeating Kennedy by 5,124 votes.[37]

He was re-elected in 2017 with a smaller share of the vote but an increased majority.[38]

Other interests[]

Blackford described himself as "just a simple crofter with 10 acres" in the 2018 Westminster Budget debate and was mocked by other MPs.[39]

In addition to his work as a MP, Blackford has also worked part-time for funeral planners Golden Charter Trust Limited.[40] Between April 2020 and March 2021 he was paid £38,967 by the company.[40] In September 2020 Blackford announced that his association with the company would end in a “timely manner” in March 2021.[41] He previously earned an additional £1,000 a month serving as chairman of Commsworld - a telecoms business in which he owned circa £70,000 worth of shares.[42][43]

He employs his stepson as a Senior Caseworker.[40][44] After his stepson was awarded a £7,500 pay rise, the issue of MPs hiring their relatives was the subject of a leader comment in The Scotsman: "But the issue here is the inference of nepotism. While Ian Blackford may be within his rights to raise his relative’s wages, the practice of hiring relations has to come to an end because it does nothing to dissuade a distrusting public that MPs - post expenses scandal - only ever look out for themselves."[44]

SNP Westminster leader[]

He was re-elected at the 2017 general election. On 14 June 2017, he was elected as leader of the SNP Westminster Group, succeeding Angus Robertson who had lost his seat.[45] On 19 July he was appointed a member of the Privy Council.[46] Additionally, he has served as a member of the secret Intelligence and Security Committee, which scrutinises the work of Britain's intelligence agencies. On 25 April 2019 it was reported that he had "stood down" from this role, to be "replaced by Stewart Hosie".[citation needed]

Blackford announced his revised frontbench team on 7 January 2020, following the 2019 General Election.[citation needed]

PMQs walkout[]

During the 13 June 2018 session of Prime Minister's Questions, Blackford was ejected from the House of Commons. Almost all sitting Scottish National Party MPs chose to walk out of the House of Commons. Blackford had raised a question to Prime Minister Theresa May regarding the issues of no Scottish MP being given time to debate the Scotland-related areas of the EU Withdrawal Bill the previous night (when an English MP filibustered to prevent Scottish MPs from speaking) and also wanting the chamber to immediately have a vote on the motion to sit in private. Blackford was irate in asking the question and was instructed numerous times by Speaker John Bercow to resume his seat so the Prime Minister could answer his question. Blackford refused to do this, claiming that "Scotland's voice not being heard". Eventually, Bercow used Standing Order 42 to eject Blackford from the chamber, which Blackford complied with, followed by almost every SNP MP. This was the first time that any such incident as this had ever occurred during Prime Minister's Questions as well as the House of Commons. The incident was broadcast on live television on the BBC and Sky News.[47][48][49]

Personal life[]

Blackford is married to Ann Yeoman.[3]

References[]

  1. ^ "Ian Blackford". Scottish National Party. 4 September 2018.
  2. ^ "Results of by-elections to the 52nd United Kingdom Parliament". election.demon.co.uk. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "Blackford, Rt Hon. Ian, (born 1961), PC 2017; MP (SNP) Ross, Skye and Lochaber, since 2015". WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u283913. ISBN 978-0-19-954088-4. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
  4. ^ Bagli, Charles V. (24 June 1997). "Reed Elsevier Is Purchasing Disney Unit for $447 Million". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  5. ^ Bain, Simon (19 September 1998). "Defectors launch rival firm". The Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Bankers dismiss independence fears". The Courier. 13 September 2014. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b "Executive Profile: Ian Blackford". Bloomberg Business. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  8. ^ Human, Tim (10 January 2012). "iPad winner puts tablet to work". IR Magazine. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  9. ^ "Commsworld heads towards expansion after turnover rise". The Scotsman. 6 February 2006. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  10. ^ "Telecoms company's success is more than just talk". The Scotsman. 23 August 2005. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  11. ^ "About us". Golden Charter Trust. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  12. ^ "Bearsden traders warn that schools closure could be catastrophic". Milngavie & Bearsden Herald. Johnston Press. 18 January 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  13. ^ "SNP Westminster leader 'owes £1m windfall to Boris Johnson'". The Herald Scotland. Glasgow. 17 December 2019.
  14. ^ Brown, Anthony (13 June 2014). "Sir Tom Farmer brought Rod Petrie along to meeting with Petrie Out". The Scotsman. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  15. ^ "Glendale Trust may take over Meanish Pier on Skye". BBC News. BBC. 15 May 2012.
  16. ^ "Trust aims to tell tale of crofters' victory in new heritage centre". The Scotsman. 10 January 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  17. ^ "Flights to and from Skye could start in 2014 group says". BBC News. 6 June 2013.
  18. ^ MacKenzie, Keith (17 April 2015). "Skye air service campaigners to meet CAA". West Highland Free Press. Archived from the original on 17 April 2015.
  19. ^ "Special Report: Paisley by election. Low-key campaign in Paisley after Labour MP's suicide". BBC News. 4 November 1997.
  20. ^ Ritchie, Murray (24 September 1999). "Tax and spend image attacked by treasurer". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  21. ^ Bell, Alex; Kemp, Arnold (18 June 2000). "Rivalry rocks the SNP". The Observer. London. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  22. ^ "Party exile attacks leadership". BBC News. 14 June 2000. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  23. ^ Ritchie, Murray (13 June 2000). "Bitter feud puts SNP in turmoil Treasurer threatens to sue party leader for defamation unless Salmond apologises for remarks". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  24. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Exclusive interview: Ian Blackford on the journey from young rebel to SNP Westminster leader". Holyrood Website. 4 October 2019.
  25. ^ Fraser, Douglas (1 July 2012). "Taking flight to Skye". BBC News.
  26. ^ "Ian Blackford: Could prompt government action have saved HBOS?". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. 1 October 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  27. ^ Davidson, Lorraine (8 July 2012). "Scotland 'needs own regulatory regime' to tackle reckless bankers". The Sunday Times. London. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  28. ^ Allardyce, Jason (5 May 2013). "Abolish CGT, says former SNP treasurer". The Sunday Times. London. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  29. ^ Peterkin, Tom (21 September 2014). "Former treasurer suggests SNP 'go for Home Rule'". Scotland on Sunday. Edinburgh. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  30. ^ Wilson, Fraser (29 May 2014). "RBS should be broken up and Scottish arm nationalised in an independent Scotland, says pro-Yes group". Daily Record. Glasgow. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  31. ^ Falconer, Lisa (20 January 2015). "Ian Blackford selected as SNP candidate for Ross, Skye and Lochaber". West Highland Free Press. Isle of Skye. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  32. ^ "SNP's Ian Blackford accused of '˜aggressive' behaviour in note to police".
  33. ^ "Exclusive interview: Ian Blackford on the journey from young rebel to SNP Westminster leader". 4 October 2019.
  34. ^ @SundayTimesSco (4 April 2021). "EXCL. New details have emerged of the appalling abuse faced by Charles Kennedy in his final election campaign. Incl…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  35. ^ Jump up to: a b "Kennedy campaign 'dirty, nasty and deeply personal'".
  36. ^ "SNP's Ian Blackford accused of disfiguring last months of Charles Kennedy's life".
  37. ^ "Ross, Skye & Lochaber parliamentary constituency – Election 2017". BBC News.
  38. ^ "General Election Results 2017 - Seat: Ross, Skye and Lochaber".
  39. ^ "SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford mocked for '˜simple crofter' claim". www.scotsman.com. 30 October 2018.
  40. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Ian Blackford MP, Ross, Skye and Lochaber". TheyWorkForYou.
  41. ^ Peterkin, Tom. "Ian Blackford to give up controversial and lucrative business position 15 months after agreeing to".
  42. ^ Gourley, Perry (16 December 2019). "SNP Westminster leader could cash in on telecoms takeover". businessInsider.
  43. ^ "Conservative MSP says SNP Westminster leader owes £1m windfall to PM". HeraldScotland.
  44. ^ Jump up to: a b "Leader comment: Time to show MPs' relatives the door". www.scotsman.com.
  45. ^ "Ian Blackford MP elected SNP Westminster leader". BBC News. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  46. ^ "Business Transacted and Orders Approved at the Privy Council held by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 19th July 2017" (PDF). privycouncil.independent.gov.uk. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  47. ^ "SNP MPs walk out of PMQs in 'Brexit power grab' protest". BBC News. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  48. ^ "PMQs descends into chaos as SNP Westminster leader is expelled from Commons promoting mass walkout". The Independent. London. 13 June 2018.
  49. ^ Crerar, Pippa; Walker, Peter; Brooks, Libby (13 June 2018). "SNP MPs walk out of Commons in protest over Brexit debate". The Guardian. London.

External links[]

Party political offices
Preceded by
Kenny MacAskill 		Treasurer of the Scottish National Party
1999–2000 		Succeeded by
Jim Mather
Preceded by
Angus Robertson 		Leader of the Scottish National Party in the House of Commons
2017–present 		Incumbent
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
Charles Kennedy 		Member of Parliament
for Ross, Skye and Lochaber
2015–present 		Incumbent
Retrieved from ""