STEPHEN Flynn’s allies have drawn up a “hit list” of sitting Nats MSPs they want to replace with ex-SNP MPs, sources claimed.
The party’s Westminster leader is weighing up whether to run for a Holyrood seat at next year’s election.
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And he has been accused of wanting key allies in place for an eventual bid to lead the SNP outright.
Aberdeen North and Moray East Seamus Logan is allegedly “matching” ex-MPs who lost with constituencies where MSPs deemed “unhelpful”, sources claimed.
A party insiders said five female MSPs are under most pressure to step aside.
They are Karen Adam (Banffshire and Buchan Coast), Evelyn Tweed (Stirling), Collette Stevenson (East Kilbride), Jackie Dunbar (Aberdeen Donside) and Emma Roddick (Highland).
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Insiders also claim the alleged plans are backed by people close to First Minister John Swinney.
A source said: “Everyone seems to have a different take on the First Minister’s loyalties but my impression is that he is fully onboard with Flynn.”
The claims come after Aberdeen South MSP Audrey Nicol — who had been blocking Mr Flynn’s pathway to Holyrood — suddenly announced on Sunday that she would step down.
Insiders blamed senior backroom Nats at the top of government and the party who were pushing for Mr Flynn to be given a clear run at a Holyrood seat.
One MSP said: “Stephen is not the only one who has been pushing for Audrey to step down. It has been hell ever since he first said he wanted her seat.” The MSP added: “The arm twisting is a fact.”
Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton accused Mr Flynn of revelling in his “hardest man in Westminster” nickname — given to him by a magazine in 2023.
She added: “It’s pretty telling that what looks like a hit list is comprised of women MSPs who he and his henchmen are trying to edge out, presumably to boost Flynn’s chances of becoming SNP leader. It’s not a good look.
“John Swinney should show backbone by standing up to Flynn and backing his Holyrood colleagues.”
And Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie urged Mr Flynn to “come clean” about the alleged plot.
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A source close to the MP said the plot claims were “nonsense and untrue”. They added: “SNP MPs are busy standing up for Scotland in Westminster and supporting the SNP government.”
The Scottish Government declined to comment.
An SNP spokeswoman said: “There is a high level of interest in representing the SNP at what will be a crucial Scottish Parliament election in 2026.
“We look forward to fielding a strong selection of candidates who are ready to stand up for their communities and move Scotland towards independence.”
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