Something went wrong - please try again later.

Thank you for signing up to our Politics newsletter.

Sign up for our daily Politics briefing for political exclusives, analysis and debate.

Ian Blackford has called for “calm” within the SNP Westminster group after a string of tit-for-tat public rows among his MPs.

The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP spoke after reports Joanna Cherry and Mhairi Black clashed over a controversial school visit by drag-act, Flowjob.

Ms Black is said to have criticised her colleague at an SNP meeting for not coming to her defence when she was subject to criticism for backing the visit to Glencoats Primary in Paisley last month.

An MP at the meeting, speaking to reporters afterwards, said: “It was a blazing row and angry words were exchanged.

“Things just hit boiling point in the meeting. It has been bubbling away for some time, but a massive row broke out. Nobody knew where to look – it was chaotic.”

The incident came after reports of another clash over who should stand for the party in Edinburgh Central at next year’s Holyrood election.

Ms Cherry and Angus Robertson, the SNP’s former deputy leader, are both vying to be the party’s candidate for the key target seat.

Ms Cherry is reported to have complained and cited SNP internal rules after some parliamentarians suggested support for Mr Robertson on social media.

Asked if the battle for the candidacy of Edinburgh Central was becoming a distraction, Mr Blackford said “no”.

Responding to the reports of rows and accusations of bullying, the SNP boss added: “At the end of the day, I’ve got a responsibility to try and make sure that there is calm.

“I’ve got a responsibility for pastoral care and obviously I want to make sure that all colleagues are supported and that’s what I will do.”