John Swinney says SNP yet to decide on ‘double jobbing’ MPs looking to join Holyrood

SNP Yet to Decide on ‘Double Jobbing’ MPs Looking to Join Holyrood

John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, has stated that the Scottish National Party (SNP) has not yet made a decision on whether MPs will be allowed to stand for the Scottish Parliament while retaining their seats in Westminster. This comes after some Nationalists expressed frustration following Stephen Flynn’s announcement that he intends to run for a seat in Holyrood without resigning from his position as an MP first.

Traditionally, the SNP required its members in Westminster to step down before seeking candidacy for the Scottish Parliament. However, this rule seems to have been set aside with Flynn’s decision, as two other SNP MPs, Dave Doogan and Stephen Gethins, have also applied to be considered as potential candidates for Holyrood in 2026.

While addressing the issue, John Swinney mentioned that the party has had instances of dual mandates in the past, including himself serving in both roles during the early days of devolution. Swinney acknowledged that the party needs to deliberate on these matters and will reach a conclusion in due course.

Former SNP minister George Adam criticised the move, stating that it is inappropriate for SNP MPs to hold dual roles and emphasising the party’s history of criticising others for doing the same. On the other hand, current SNP MSP Kate Forbes praised Flynn as a potential asset to the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the democratic process where constituents ultimately decide on their representatives.

Stephen Gethins, one of the MPs seeking candidacy for Holyrood, explained that he submitted his application to keep his options open but affirmed that his current focus remains on representing his constituents in Westminster. Dave Doogan also confirmed his submission for SNP vetting, indicating that his intentions are under consideration for the upcoming election.

As the SNP continues to deliberate on the issue of ‘double jobbing’, the decision holds significance for the party’s future strategy and representation in both the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament.

In Summary, the SNP is facing a dilemma regarding whether its MPs should be allowed to simultaneously hold seats in Westminster and seek candidacy for the Scottish Parliament. This situation has sparked debate within the party, with differing opinions on the implications of ‘double jobbing’ for effective representation in both parliaments. As the SNP navigates through this issue, the decision will shape the party’s stance on dual mandates and governance in the coming years.