SNP MP Stephen Flynn will not seek dual mandate to become MSP

22 November 2024, 09:02

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn will no longer seek a dual mandate to stand as an MSP in the Scottish parliament while remaining an MP.

Mr Flynn, who was re-elected as the MP for Aberdeen South in July, sparked criticism after announcing plans earlier this month to win his party's nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat in the Holyrood 2026 election.

If successful, the 36-year-old vowed to remain an MP until the next general election but would not accept two salaries.

However, his plan drew ire from members of his own party given Mr Flynn was among SNP colleagues who criticised former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross for previously doing the same thing.

Public finance minister Ivan McKee said "double-jobbing - working as an MP and an MSP - isn't sustainable", while MSP Emma Roddick urged him to rethink his decision.

The seat is also currently held by SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll.

On Thursday, Mr Flynn admitted he had "got this one wrong" and would no longer be pursuing both jobs.

He said: "Hands up, I've got this one wrong and won't be pursuing a dual mandate.

"My aim to save the public purse from unnecessary strain by potentially overlapping the role of an MP and an MSP for a short period until the next general election was genuine in its intent - but doing it for the right reasons doesn't change the fact that I got it wrong.

"My motivation and central belief remains that Holyrood, as the heart of Scottish democracy, is the democratic platform that will drive the route to an independent Scotland.

"All of us in the independence movement share that common cause and want to be part of that story.

"Alongside all SNP members, I now look forward to assessing the new candidate selection rules that my party will put in place."

Mr Flynn has often been touted as a potential future party leader.

He did not run in this year's SNP leadership race to replace Humza Yousaf and instead threw his backing behind eventual winner Mr Swinney.

As Mr Flynn is not an MSP, it would have been difficult to become first minister at Holyrood.

However, the potential move to the Scottish parliament would put him on the right track towards Scotland's top job.