Stephen Flynn seeks election to Holyrood

Stephen Flynn has announced his intention to stand in the 2026 election for the Scottish Parliament.

The SNP Westminster leader said he would remain an MP if elected as an MSP, but would not take a salary for the second job.

The decision has raised concerns about holding a dual mandate – also known as double jobbing – as others, such as former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, have done in the past.

But Flynn said he would have to “box smarter and work even harder” to maintain both roles.

Writing in the Press & Journal, he added that he hoped other colleagues at Westminster would also be seeking election to Holyrood.

He said: “I will not shirk from these responsibilities as an MP and, if elected to Holyrood, I do not intend to leave them behind until the next general election. The public elected me to be their voice, and that won’t change.

“But to be clear, I will not take a second parliamentary income. This is personal for me, it’s about Scotland’s future, and that is much more valuable than any salary on offer.

“Nevertheless, I’m not blind to the fact that I will have to box smarter and work even harder. Others have done it in the past, not least Alex Salmond and John Swinney, and I’m positive about the prospect of walking the path they previously trod.

“Finally, I also hope not to be alone on a potential path to Holyrood. Some of my current and former colleagues in Westminster, as well as many outwith the world of politics, will hopefully be aiming for elected office in Edinburgh.”

Previously SNP rules prevented MPs from running as a candidate at Holyrood. Health secretary Neil Gray was forced to stand down in 2021 in order to run for his Airdrie and Shotts constituency at the Scottish Parliament.

It is understand the party’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee, has not made a decision on whether that rule will apply.

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has said Flynn should “rethink” the move. She said: “Party members set this rule for good reasons. Rightly, Douglas Ross was criticised for holding two roles simultaneously. I hope Stephen Flynn rethinks. Can't imagine spending half my time in London & being a good MSP.”

Wannabe candidates had to submit their nomination papers by midday on Monday.

Flynn has thrown his hat into the ring for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat, which is currently held by SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll.

Former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf are understood to have submitted their papers to allow them to stand again, though neither have confirmed they definitely intend to do so.

Former MP Richard Thomson – who lost his Westminster seat to the Conservatives’ Harriet Cross in July – has also confirmed his intention to stand.

Other parties’ internal selection contests are also underway. Scottish Labour launched its call for candidates last month. Former Tory MP David Duguid – who was barred from standing in July by the Scottish Conservatives’ ruling board and ultimately replaced by Douglas Ross on the ballot – has suggested he might stand in 2026.