An SNP backbencher has said a “fresh look” should be taken at her party’s agreement with the Greens, in the wake of the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.

Michelle Thomson said the SNP needs to improve its messaging and questioned whether the agreement with the smaller pro-independence party was popular.

Humza Yousaf has promised the SNP will “reflect, regroup and reorganise” following the defeat, which saw Labour’s Michael Shanks win on a swing of 20.4%.

Thomson, MSP for Falkirk East, was campaign manager for Yousaf’s rival Kate Forbes in the leadership contest earlier this year.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday Show, she said Yousaf should “absolutely” remain the leader.

She added: “I do make the proviso, and I’ve said that before, that we need to look at our policies, we need to look at the proposition and we need to look at the messaging.

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