Stephen Flynn declares intent to run for SNP in 2026 Holyrood election

Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, has declared his intention to contest the 2026 Holyrood elections. The Member of Parliament for Aberdeen South stated that should he be elected to the Scottish Parliament, he plans to retain his Westminster position until the subsequent general election, scheduled for 2029, while declining to receive two salaries. This declaration has generated apprehension among fellow party members, leading one MSP to advise him to reconsider his choice. The deadline for submitting applications to become an SNP candidate in 2026 passed on Monday; however, the official selection procedure is not slated to commence until the following year. According to BBC Scotland News, it is understood that former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have submitted their applications, though both have yet to determine if they will seek re-election. In an article for the Press and Journal, Flynn expressed his aspiration to secure his party’s nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency, which is presently represented by Audrey Nicoll. The SNP’s Westminster leader informed BBC Scotland News: “As we make this journey to independence, I believe that we need our strongest voices within Holyrood all pulling in the same direction. I believe that I can contribute as part of that process.” Flynn indicated that he derived “no pleasure” from the prospect of vying with Nicoll for the nomination. He commented, “We are a democratic party, this does happen on occasion.” He added, “It will now be for members to decide the outcome.” The Member of Parliament asserted that holding both roles would provide him with a “platform to speak up for Scotland’s interest,” encompassing both Holyrood and Westminster. He further remarked, “And I think that’s a good thing.” Flynn has been identified as a potential future leader of the SNP; however, he forecasted that a leadership challenge to succeed John Swinney would not occur for a “long, long time,” stating his complete confidence in the first minister. He conveyed to BBC Scotland News: “I just want to be part of his team.” Nicoll, who secured her initial parliamentary election in 2021, commented that the procedure remained in its nascent phase and that Flynn was entitled to seek selection. She verified that she too had submitted her application forms for selection. She stated, “We had a conversation so I did know he was intending on putting his name forward.” She continued, “I love this role and it’s very important to me. It’s filled with responsibility and I look forward to continuing it if I can.” Prior to the 2021 election, the SNP amended its internal regulations, mandating that MPs relinquish their Westminster seats to contend for selection to Holyrood. The party had previously voiced criticism of former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross for simultaneously holding positions in Westminster and Holyrood, in addition to his role as a professional football referee. In 2021, Karen Adam, an SNP MSP, asserted that Ross was “failing” his constituents “by thinking he can do both jobs properly.” During the SNP conference in August, Flynn made a lighthearted remark about Ross having “one too many work commitments.” When declaring his intention to run in the Holyrood election, Flynn informed the Press and Journal that he considered the party’s selection rules to be “election-specific.” He referenced instances of SNP politicians who have previously occupied seats in both parliaments, naming First Minister John Swinney and former First Minister Alex Salmond. SNP MSP Emma Roddick expressed her hope that Flynn “rethinks” his aspiration to maintain two seats. She shared on X: “Party members set this rule for good reasons. Rightly, Douglas Ross was criticised for holding two roles simultaneously.” The representative for Highlands and Islands stated that she found it inconceivable to “being a good MSP” while dedicating “half” her time in London. She further added: “(It is) Key that rules apply to everyone equally; men and women.” A former SNP MP conveyed to BBC Scotland News: “I’m not sure being seen to do Audrey Nicoll out of her job so that he can have two jobs is a smart pitch.” Another prominent party figure characterized Flynn’s action as “naked ambition.” Numerous MSPs have held a dual mandate, either as a member of the House of Lords, the House of Commons, or as a councillor – with 20 doing so this term. Roddick, elected to Holyrood in 2021, maintained a dual mandate for one year while concurrently serving as an Inverness councillor. The SNP has not yet determined its regulations for candidates in the upcoming election. The alteration regarding dual mandates resulted in then-MP Joanna Cherry withdrawing from the selection competition for the Edinburgh Central constituency. Health Secretary Neil Gray was also required to resign as an MP before his election to Holyrood in 2021. Cherry – who lost her Westminster seat in July’s general election and has dismissed a campaign for election to Holyrood in 2026 – described the SNP rule as “person specific.” In response to Flynn’s announcement, she further stated in a post on X that the rule “served its purpose” and anticipated it would not be applicable for 2026. The Scottish government recently indicated its intention to initiate a consultation on proposals aimed at prohibiting MSPs from holding dual mandates, although any modifications are not anticipated to be implemented before the 2026 election. Conservative MSP Liam Kerr drew attention to the SNP’s prior stance against dual mandates, remarking: “And now, when it suits Stephen Flynn, and it seems to suit the SNP, they decide that it’s all perfectly acceptable in their world.” He conveyed to BBC Scotland News: “It’s absolute hypocrisy and it’s appalling.” Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, similarly accused the SNP of hypocrisy. He pointed out the party’s earlier disapproval of “double jobbing,” adding: “But it seems it’s OK when an SNP politician wants to do it.” Stephen Flynn’s decision is unlikely to astonish those who monitor Scottish politics. He is broadly considered among the SNP’s most capable politicians. Furthermore, Holyrood presents him with prospects that Westminster would not (such as serving as a government minister or, potentially in the future, as first minister). Nevertheless, this action is contentious for several reasons. Despite other SNP politicians having previously held seats in both Westminster and Holyrood concurrently, the party’s discourse regarding “double jobbing” has intensified in recent years. The party had previously alleged that former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross was attempting to “have his cake and eat it” by serving in both parliaments. Flynn will now confront an identical accusation. Secondly, an incumbent SNP MSP already occupies the constituency where Stephen Flynn intends to seek candidacy. She has not signaled any intention to step aside, suggesting an internal contest is imminent. In summary, this represents an anticipated development accompanied by certain unforeseen aspects. Richard Thomson, a former SNP MP who lost his Gordon seat in July, has also verified his intention to seek election to Holyrood in 2026. He has not named a specific constituency, although he stated on X that “important work to be done for the north east and Scotland as a whole” was necessary. Although selection to contest a constituency is one possible path to the Scottish Parliament, candidates also have the option to secure a seat through regional lists within the Holyrood electoral system.