During the weekly PMQs sessions, Blackford, who would have two goes as SNP leader, became a public figure for his complaining style and long winded questions.
Tory MPs would groan as he got to his feet.
But with his party about to go into disarray over numerous allegations, the Ross, Skye and Lochabar MP quit as Westminster leader in December last year following allegations and recriminations that he had tried to protect a fellow SNP MP Patrick Grady guilty of sexual harassment.
A Scottish Lib Dem MP said that his departure though opened up the Highlands seat for being winnable for them again.
The Lib Dem MP said: “It’s a big change and quite a shock but if we have a strong candidate there now we could easily win that seat back.”
