Stephen Flynn confirms Scottish Parliament bid

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has confirmed his bid to stand for a Scottish Parliament seat next year.

Flynn, who is currently the MP for Aberdeen South, said he is "delighted" to have won the support of local members to become the SNP candidate for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine in the upcoming Holyrood contest.

His selection is not yet official but Flynn has confirmed his intention to stand in the constituency.

He said: "While the internal selection period is yet to conclude, I am of course delighted to have been nominated by SNP members across Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, many of whom I've campaigned alongside for close to 15 years."

Flynn caused outcry when he revealed ambitions to hold Westminster and Holyrood seats at the same time.

He later said he had made a mistake and would not seek a dual mandate.

Meanwhile, members of the Scottish Parliament voted on new legislation which prevents "double jobbing" in both legislatures at once, with those measures set to come into force under the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill.

Flynn has said he will step down as an MP to become an MSP.

He said election to the Scottish Parliament would be an "immense privilege".