Opposition MSPs Support Proposal to Prohibit Dual Mandates

Opposition Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are advocating for the prohibition of dual mandates, following SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn’s intention to simultaneously hold seats in both Holyrood and Westminster. Conservative MSP Graham Simpson plans to reintroduce an amendment to the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, aiming to make “double jobbing” illegal before the 2026 election. A vote on this matter might occur prior to Christmas, with both Labour and the Greens expressing their support for the initiative. The minority SNP government indicated it was open to considering a ban, provided a consultation was conducted first. Mr. Flynn encountered criticism, including from within his own party, after declaring his intention to contest the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat for the SNP in the 2026 Holyrood election. He also stated his plan to remain in Westminster until the next general election, which is currently scheduled for 2029. Previously, Mr. Flynn and his SNP colleagues had criticized former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross for simultaneously holding two seats. The SNP Westminster leader commented that the reaction had not been “pleasant,” but affirmed he would not be “hounded out” from upholding his convictions. Under Mr. Simpson’s proposed changes, an MP elected to Holyrood would be required to resign from Westminster within eight days. Writing in the Daily Record, he asserted that holding a so-called dual mandate was incorrect. “The Scottish Parliament should be given the opportunity to end this nonsense ahead of 2026 and I will give it that chance,” Simpson wrote. He added, “I will re-table my amendments on this so that parties can do the right thing and show that MSPs think the practice of double jobbing is no longer acceptable.” The Central Scotland MSP pointed out that dual mandates have already been outlawed in Wales and Northern Ireland. Mr. Simpson had previously withdrawn an amendment to ban the practice after Parliamentary Business Minister Jamie Hepburn indicated his support for considering a ban on dual mandates, but emphasized the need for a consultation on the issue. Mr. Hepburn noted that if a consultation were to take place, a ban, which could also extend to councillors and peers in the House of Lords, would not be implemented by the 2026 election. At that time, Mr. Simpson concurred that there “ought to be some consultation” and that it was appropriate for one to be initiated during the current parliamentary session. However, in his Daily Record piece, Mr. Simpson stated that Mr. Flynn’s announcement had influenced his decision to push for a ban before the upcoming election. The Presiding Officer will determine whether the amendment is selected for debate and a vote during stage three of the bill’s passage through parliament. Should it be selected, a vote is anticipated before Christmas. The SNP group comprises 62 MSPs, falling short of the 65 required for a majority. Scottish Labour confirmed its intention to support a ban on “double jobbing.” The party’s business manager, Martin Whitfield, commented: “Being an MP or an MSP is a full-time job and it is the height of arrogance to try and do both.“ He continued, “Whether it’s Douglas Ross or Stephen Flynn, Tory and SNP politicians have been taking their constituents for granted for too long.” Green MSP Gillian Mackay also endorsed Mr. Simpson’s proposal, stating: “This has gone on for too long. Other devolved parliaments have rules in place to stop it, and Holyrood should too.” Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton informed the Herald that he did not oppose dual mandates within his party if the individual politician could “make them work.” It is understood that the Liberal Democrats intend to examine Mr. Simpson’s amendment thoroughly before deciding how to vote. The amendment would be subject to a vote as part of the stage three consideration of the elections bill. Dozens of MSPs have previously held a dual mandate, either as a member of the House of Lords, the House of Commons, or as a councillor, with 20 instances occurring in the current term. A government spokesperson highlighted Mr. Hepburn’s commitment to conducting “a full public consultation on the issue to seek the views of political parties, Cosla and importantly the public.” A considerable process remains before a ban on dual mandates could be put to a vote, and initially, the numbers do not appear to favor Graham Simpson. Nevertheless, many of Stephen Flynn’s SNP colleagues at Holyrood have expressed anger regarding his announcement. It remains to be seen if their convictions are strong enough to lead them to defy the party whip. Furthermore, the position of Graham Simpson’s own colleagues is a factor, given that former Scottish Tories’ leader Douglas Ross held a dual mandate, raising questions about their stance on a complete prohibition of the practice. An additional consideration for all parties is the ambiguity surrounding whether Simpson’s plan would still encompass councillors becoming MSPs; if so, this could impact a substantial number of potential Holyrood candidates.