Scottish Parliament approves measures to end ‘dual mandates’

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) will be prevented from holding positions concurrently as Members of Parliament (MPs) or members of the House of Lords, following a vote by the Scottish Parliament endorsing proposals to prohibit what are termed ‘dual mandates’. The prohibition on individuals occupying both offices simultaneously received unanimous backing from all political parties, incorporated as an amendment within legislation for electoral reform. This development follows an earlier announcement by Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, who had expressed his intent to serve in both parliamentary bodies prior to the 2026 Holyrood election, a decision he subsequently reversed. The Scottish government is anticipated to launch a public consultation regarding these proposals in the early part of next year. Additionally, the consultation might explore whether local councillors should be restricted from serving as MSPs, although any such regulations would not necessarily be implemented right away. These regulations, introduced under the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, could become effective by next Autumn, aligning with the 2026 election, potentially incorporating a grace period or specific exemptions. The prohibition against dual mandates originated as an amendment put forward by Conservative MSP Graham Simpson, developed with assistance from the Scottish government and supported by Green MSP Ross Greer. In November, Flynn had declared his intention to contest the Scottish Parliament elections while simultaneously maintaining his position as the MP for Aberdeen South in the House of Commons. He had stated that he would decline salaries from both roles, but subsequently rescinded this decision, acknowledging that he had “got it wrong”. Instead, Flynn will determine his candidacy for Holyrood in the New Year, pending the SNP’s finalization of its internal party regulations. The SNP, with Flynn among its members, had previously criticized Douglas Ross, the former Scottish Conservative leader, for maintaining a dual mandate in addition to his role as an SFA-registered linesman. Historically, numerous MSPs, including First Minister John Swinney and the late Alex Salmond, have held dual mandates. Currently, Labour’s Katy Clark is the sole MSP who also serves in another parliamentary body, holding a life peerage in the House of Lords. Nevertheless, she has taken a leave of absence from her House of Lords role to focus on her responsibilities at Holyrood. Prior to the vote, she informed BBC Scotland News that she was “comfortable” with the proposals to prohibit dual mandates and would endorse the amendments.