MSPs to vote on double jobbing ban next week after Stephen Flynn backlash

MSPs are set to vote next week on a proposed ban on double jobbing following a backlash sparked by SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn’s announcement. The Scottish Government has been working on amendments to election legislation, with one of them aiming to prohibit MPs and peers in the House of Lords from simultaneously serving as MSPs. Additionally, a third amendment could extend the ban to councillors holding dual roles as MSPs, pending a public consultation process.

The controversy arose when Flynn expressed his intention to run for a seat in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections while retaining his position as an MP. This plan was met with criticism from within his party, prompting him to backtrack and concede his error. The issue of holding dual roles is not unprecedented, with former first minister Alex Salmond and ex-Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross having previously served in both Holyrood and Westminster.

If approved by MSPs, regulations enforcing the ban on dual mandates would be implemented in time for the May 2026 Holyrood elections. SNP parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn emphasised the government’s support for ending the practice of holding multiple political positions concurrently. He assured that a public consultation will be conducted to gather input from various stakeholders before finalising the amendments.

Hepburn outlined the timeline for the process, with the public consultation scheduled for January 2025 and the introduction of regulations expected in autumn 2025. These regulations would then undergo scrutiny and a vote by MSPs. He expressed hope that Parliament would endorse the amendments to address the issue of dual mandates effectively prior to the 2026 election.

In summary, MSPs are gearing up to vote on a proposed ban on double jobbing in the aftermath of Stephen Flynn’s controversial plans to juggle roles as an MSP and MP. The Scottish Government is working on amendments to election legislation, with the aim of prohibiting individuals from holding dual positions in different levels of government. The decision on this matter will impact future electoral practices in Scotland and set a precedent for political representatives seeking to hold multiple offices simultaneously.