Mhairi Black becomes youngest MP after being sworn in at Westminster

Parliament has its youngest MP in centuries after the SNP's Mhairi Black was officially sworn in.

The 20-year-old, who is studying politics, opted to affirm as she joined others in completing the swearing-in process.

She joined the other successful candidates following the general election ahead of next Wednesday's State Opening of Parliament.

Ms Black's SNP colleagues Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) and Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton East) completed the formalities before she arrived at the despatch box.


Europe minister David Lidington was the first MP to swear in on Wednesday and was soon followed by new cabinet minister Amber Rudd, who has been promoted to energy secretary.

Ms Black, the youngest MP since 1667, said: "I, Mhairi Black, Paisley and Renfrewshire South, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law."

The large SNP delegation continued to swear in, with new holders of previously safe Labour seats taking their place on the Commons' green benches.

Among them were Philippa Whitford, MP for Central Ayrshire, who took the oath in Scottish Gaelic, and Phil Boswell, who won Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill for the SNP.

Source indicates that among those swearing in for the first time for Labour was Naz Shah, who beat George Galloway of the Respect Party to re-take Bradford West.

Jess Phillips, the new Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, appeared to have her fingers crossed when she took the oath.

Also taking part this morning were senior Tories - including Amber Rudd, newly-promoted to energy secretary.