Stephen Flynn MP is the new leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Westminster, having won the election in December 2022. He is also the Member of Parliament for Aberdeen South, a seat he has held since the 2019 general election. But who is Stephen Flynn, and what is his journey from Dundee to the Dark Place to the House of Commons? In this article, we will explore the biography, career, and achievements of Stephen Flynn MP, the man who leads the SNP in Westminster.
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Stephen Flynn is 35 years old in 2023, and he was born in Dundee, Scotland on 13 October 1988. He has not revealed his parents’ names, but he has mentioned that his father was a trade unionist and his mother was a nurse. He also has a brother who works as a teacher. He went to schools in Brechin and Dundee and then studied at the University of Dundee. He earned a Master of Arts (MA Hons) degree in history and politics and a Master of Letters (MLitt) degree in international politics and security studies.
Flynn began his political career in 2015 when he was elected to Aberdeen City Council. He led the SNP group on the council from 2016 until he was elected to Parliament in 2019. In the 2019 general election, Flynn defeated the Conservative incumbent, Ross Thomson, to win the seat of Aberdeen South. He was swiftly appointed as the Shadow Chief Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and in February of 2021, he was elevated to the frontbench as spokesperson for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy for the SNP.
Flynn declared his intent to enter the race to succeed Ian Blackford as the SNP Westminster leader in December 2022. He defeated Alison Thewliss to become leader and took up the role on 20 December 2022. In his role as SNP leader in Westminster, Flynn has committed to vigorously advocate for the interests of Scotland and to argue that independence is necessary for the country’s well-being in terms of security, equality, and prosperity. He has also said that he will focus on holding the UK government to account on issues such as the cost of living crisis, Brexit and the climate emergency.
Flynn is a rising star in Scottish politics, and his election as SNP Westminster leader is seen as a sign of the party’s determination to achieve independence for Scotland. He is a strong and articulate advocate for Scottish independence, and he is sure to be a thorn in the side of the UK government in the years to come.
Stephen Flynn had a “life-changing” experience when he had a hip replacement operation in 2020. He told the press that he had been living with a severe condition called avascular necrosis since he was a teenager. This condition caused the death of bone tissue in his hip, making him unable to walk without crutches or sticks for 17 years.
He said that he used to love playing sports, but he had to spend a lot of time in bed or hospital because of the pain. However, after he had the surgery three years ago, he said that he felt a new sense of freedom and joy. He said that one of his dreams was to walk on the beach with his son, who was born in 2019.
Stephen Flynn is married to Lynn, a teacher. They met in 2015 when they were both working on the SNP’s campaign for the 2015 general election. They got married in 2019, just three days after Flynn was elected to Parliament. In an interview with the Press and Journal, Flynn said that he was immediately attracted to Lynn’s intelligence and sense of humour. He also said that he was impressed by her commitment to her job and her passion for public service.
Lynn has been a strong supporter of Flynn’s political career. She often accompanies him to campaign events and has been outspoken in her defence of her husband. In 2019, Lynn gave birth to the couple’s first child, a son named Finlay. In 2022, they had their second child, a daughter named Eilidh.
Flynn has said that his wife and children are his top priority. He has also said that they are his biggest supporters and that he would not be where he is today without them. Here is a quote from Flynn about his wife and children: “My wife and children are my everything. They are my biggest supporters and the reason why I do what I do. I am so grateful to have them in my life.”
He has been accused of lying to Ian Blackford, his predecessor, about the new auditor for the group, which could make them lose their public funds. He faced an inquiry by the parliamentary authorities for using official stationery to pull a prank on the Labour Party with mugs.
Stephen Flynn has an X account @StephenFlynnSNP, whereas he also has a Facebook profile @Stephen Flynn MP. Additionally, you can contact him by writing to him at stephen.flynn.mp@parliament.uk.
Stephen Flynn MP has had a remarkable journey from his roots in Dundee to his current position as the leader of the SNP in Westminster. With his dedication to fighting for Scotland’s interests and his commitment to Scottish independence, he is sure to continue making a significant impact in the political landscape of the UK.
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