Keir Starmer mocks Stephen Flynn over Holyrood double jobbing backlash

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Keir Starmer has mocked Stephen Flynn over his attempt to stand for Holyrood in 2026 following a row over double jobbing.

The Prime Minister said the SNP Westminster leader's Scottish colleagues would be "very glad to see him in his seat in this House".

It came after Flynn said during Prime Minister's Questions that labour should be reported for "anti-scam awareness week". He ditched plans to double-job in Edinburgh and London following a backlash.

The SNP leader at Westminster angered some in his party after he announced his intention to become an MSP in 2026 without quitting his Commons seat.

Flynn has now ruled out double jobbing after admitting he had "got this one wrong". Flynn will now decide whether to pursue a challenge for the Aberdeen South & North Kincardine seat at Holyrood, which is held by party colleague Audrey Nicoll.

Flynn said in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon: “As everyone in the House will be aware, we’re currently in the middle of BBC anti-scam awareness week and, of course, the advice in that context is always simple: if you see a scam, you should report it.

“With that in mind, can the Prime Minister advise the House: is he aware of anyone who’s promised to reduce energy bills, only for them to increase? Is he aware of anyone who promised to back business, only to tax business? And is he aware of anyone who promised to protect pensioners only to pick their pockets for their Winter Fuel Allowance?”

Claps then came from the gallery above the Prime Minister, close to where The Who lead singer Roger Daltry was sitting.

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Starmer replied: “I am very glad to see him in his seat in this House, as I am sure many of his colleagues in Scotland share that sentiment.”

Pointing to Flynn he added: “What I can point to is a Government in Scotland that promised to take Scotland forward and took them backwards so I can identify the first one right there.”

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