SNP Government accused of 'stitch up' to help Stephen Flynn over double-jobbing plan

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SNP Ministers have been accused of a “stitch up” over Westminster leader Stephen Flynn's plan to double job as an MSP and MP.

The Scottish Government dodged a tricky vote on banning MPs from serving long term at Holyrood by kicking a possible ban into the long grass.

Critics are furious that within days Flynn announced he wanted to serve at Westminster and Holyrood in eighteen months.

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said: “The SNP have some serious questions to answer. Killing a vote on MP-MSP double-jobbing just days beforehand only adds to the stink surrounding this decision.”

Flynn, the MP for Aberdeen South, has faced a fierce backlash after revealing he wants to be an SNP candidate for Holyrood. Despite the SNP attacking ex Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross for double-jobbing when he was in charge, Flynn’s plan would see him sitting in both Parliaments.

Opposition MSPs have now raised the alarm over the SNP Government’s bid to scupper a double jobbing ban that would have thwarted Flynn.

Tory MSP Graham Simpson was poised last week to table an amendment to elections legislation which would require MPs elected to Holyrood in 2026 to quit within eight days. But Simpson stepped back after SNP Minister Jamie Hepburn offered a consultation on a potential ban.

In a letter to a Holyrood committee, Hepburn said the timings meant a ban could not be progressed in the current parliamentary session.

He added that any changes “would not be in place for the May 2026 election”. Flynn then announced his double job plan on Monday, days after Simpson pulled his amendment.

Simpson said: “Stephen Flynn is perfectly entitled to try to get elected to Holyrood but being an MSP is a full-time job so if he is successful he should do the right thing and stand down from Westminster. Better still, we should legislate in this area before the next Holyrood elections. Anything less reeks of a stitch-up.”

Greer blasted: “Last Thursday they dodged a vote on double-jobbing in Parliament by promising a new consultation, kicking any change in the law until after the 2026 election. Did Ministers know about Stephen Flynn’s own plans at that point? He clearly didn’t make his mind up over the weekend. If his colleagues had prior warning, they should have been honest with Parliament. They were already going to struggle to defend this hypocrisy after coming out all guns blazing against Douglas Ross and his many jobs.

Flynn wants to be selected as the candidate in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine by ousting sitting MSP Audrey Nicoll.

But SNP MSP Emma Roddick questioned Flynn’s ability to commit to the job at Holyrood. 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 and being a good MSP. Key that rules apply to everyone equally; men and women.”

Flynn said of his Holyrood bid on Tuesday: “I’m chucking my bonnet in the ring. I will be seeking my party’s nomination to be their candidate for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. Why? Well, it’s simple really. I don’t want to sit out the upcoming battles that our city, shire and country face in Holyrood.”

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He added: “In my mind, it is clear that we are at a crucial junction in our nation’s story. As John Swinney rebuilds the SNP and refocuses his Government, I feel that I can contribute towards the next chapter and help build the case for independence. And, in doing so, I’ll aim to be as unashamed as always in putting Aberdeen and Scotland first.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Minister for Parliamentary Business wrote to the Committee on 31 October to say the issue of dual mandates is an issue that merits discussion and consultation, rather than to introduce to the Scottish Elections Bill via Stage 2 of a Bill when Parliament has not fully considered the issue during Stage 1 and no such consultation had occurred, including with political parties, COSLA and importantly the public.”

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