SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has decided not to pursue a dual mandate to run as an MSP in the Scottish Parliament. He had initially planned to hold his Westminster seat until 2029 without receiving two salaries. The Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat at Holyrood is currently held by SNP’s Audrey Nicoll.
Flynn admitted that he had made a mistake in seeking a dual mandate, stating that his intention was to prevent unnecessary strain on the public purse by potentially overlapping the roles of an MP and an MSP until the next General Election. Despite his genuine intentions, he acknowledged that he had gotten it wrong.
His core belief remains that the Scottish Parliament, as the heart of Scottish democracy, is crucial in driving the path to an independent Scotland. He expressed his eagerness to evaluate the new candidate selection rules that the SNP will implement.
In preparation for the 2021 election, the SNP amended internal regulations to require MPs to resign from their Westminster seat to compete for selection to Holyrood. The party’s NEC could potentially reconsider this rule for contests before 2026.
Public finance minister and SNP MSP Ivan McKee emphasized that working both as an MP and an MSP is not sustainable. He highlighted his own decision to give up paid work outside of Parliament to fully commit to his roles. McKee praised Flynn’s talent but cautioned against splitting attention between two demanding positions.
The Scottish Conservatives criticized Flynn’s decision as a “humiliating U-turn,” accusing him of hypocrisy. Deputy leader Rachael Hamilton stated that SNP politicians like Flynn prioritize their own career opportunities over addressing the concerns of the public. Hamilton emphasized the importance of serving the people rather than focusing on personal ambitions.
