An Aberdeen SNP MP denied he is launching a bid to overthrow Ian Blackford as the party’s Westminster leader.
Stephen Flynn, 34, who represents Aberdeen South, said he has no intentions of trying to oust Mr Blackford from his post.
The Times reported that Mr Flynn had told senior officials he wanted to take on the top job after being backed by MPs.
It was indicated a vote could take place next month at the Westminster group’s annual general meeting.
But the Aberdeen MP tweeted: “I can confirm I’ve no intention of standing.”
The shock reports of a leadership challenge came just hours before Mr Blackford is scheduled to appear on BBC’s Question Time.
Mr Flynn became an MP in 2019 and is currently his party’s business and energy spokesperson in the House of Commons.
Mr Blackford has led the party’s Westminster group since he succeeded Angus Robertson in 2017.
But he faced calls to resign over his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against MP Patrick Grady.
Mr Blackford was criticised not forcing Mr Grady to step down as the SNP’s chief whip when accusations against him first emerged.
He also came under pressure when he was heard saying the disgraced MP should be supported by his colleagues in a leaked audio.
Earlier in the year he was forced to deny reports he might stand down from his post.
Who is Stephen Flynn?
Mr Flynn became Aberdeen South MP in 2019 when he managed to wrest the seat back from the Conservatives.
He served as a councillor in the city before this after winning a byelection in 2015 and became the local SNP group leader the following year.
As his party’s business spokesperson, he has regularly spoken out on the future of the energy sector in the north-east.
He backed calls for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies making record profits earlier this year.