SNP Undecided on Dual Mandates for MPs, Says Swinney

First Minister John Swinney has indicated that the Scottish National Party (SNP) has not yet reached a decision on whether its politicians will be permitted to hold seats in both the Scottish and UK parliaments concurrently. This statement follows the announcement by Stephen Flynn, the party’s Westminster leader, of his aspiration to contest the 2026 Holyrood election. Additionally, Stephen Gethins, another current MP, has submitted an application for candidate selection, although he has not declared an intention to hold both positions simultaneously. Swinney also commented that Michael Matheson, the former health secretary, should be permitted to “get on with the rest of his life” following reports of his application. Dave Doogan, the MP representing Angus and Perthshire Glens, informed BBC News of his consideration to run for Holyrood, stating he would continue as a Westminster MP if successful. The deadline for applications to become an SNP candidate in 2026 passed on Monday, with the official selection process scheduled to commence next year. Flynn’s announcement of his intention to seek the SNP nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat, currently occupied by Audrey Nicoll, attracted criticism from fellow party members. The SNP, including Flynn himself, had previously expressed strong disapproval of former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross for maintaining a dual mandate. Swinney, who held positions in both Westminster and Holyrood from 1999 to 2001, stated to BBC Scotland News: “We’ve had times in the past when we’ve had dual mandates – I had a dual mandate myself for two years in the early days of devolution.“The party has got to come to its conclusions about these particular issues and it will do in the fullness of time.”” George Adam, a former SNP minister and Paisley MSP, asserted that it was “wrong” for SNP MPs to also pursue seats in Holyrood, expressing his “disappointment” with Flynn’s approach to challenging Nicoll. He highlighted that his party had spent years “attacking others” for holding dual mandates. Speaking to Politics Scotland, he added that SNP politicians were “all meant to be very loyal”, concluding with “let’s just remember that when we go forward”. Conversely, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes stated that Flynn would be a “brilliant asset” to the Scottish Parliament. Last year, she had criticized Ross, who simultaneously served as an MP, MSP, and professional football referee, labeling him as having “three jobs”. In response to Flynn’s announcement, she commented: “The beauty of democracy is that it ultimately will be a decision for the local electorate as to who represents them, both within the party and within the public.” She continued: “Now, most recently, that was put to the test with Douglas Ross, he wasn’t returned as the MP, and therefore it proves the point that democracy works.” Gethins, the representative for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, informed the Courier newspaper that he had submitted an application to ensure his vetting papers were “up to date” and observed a lack of local vacancies for SNP candidates. The MP conveyed to the Courier his desire to return to Holyrood “at some point,” having previously served there as a government adviser. Nevertheless, he affirmed that his primary focus was representing his constituents in the UK parliament. Dave Doogan verified his submission for SNP vetting in preparation for the 2026 election. He did not confirm his candidacy, stating it was “not a statement of intent” but rather kept the option of running open. Doogan suggested that if he were to stand for Holyrood and be elected, it would be “reasonable” for him to hold both an MP and an MSP position simultaneously. The SNP MP conveyed to Politics Scotland that “it is possible to do both jobs” provided the “bulk” of constituents represented were consistent across both parliaments. BBC Scotland News has learned that SNP Westminster colleagues Pete Wishart, Brendan O’Hara, Kirsty Blackman, Chris Law, and Graham Leadbitter have not put their names forward for selection. Swinney characterized Matheson – who resigned from the cabinet after admitting to misleading parliament regarding an £11,000 data roaming bill incurred on his work iPad – as a “faithful servant” to his constituents. The Times and Herald reported that the Falkirk West MSP had submitted an application to seek re-election in the constituency. Swinney stated that Matheson had committed a “mistake” and had accepted his penalty, which was a record ban from parliament. He further added: “I think it’s important that we accept those errors, accept the remedies that were put in place, and allow Michael to get on with the rest of his life”. Matheson has been approached for comment. Among other SNP politicians believed to have submitted candidacy applications are former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, though both have yet to determine if they will seek re-election. Prior to the 2021 election, the SNP amended its internal regulations, mandating that MPs resign their Westminster seats to contend for selection to Holyrood. Flynn informed the Press and Journal that he interpreted this rule as “election specific”. He told BBC Scotland News that he took “no pleasure” from potentially vying with Nicoll for selection, but that the outcome rested with the members. Nicoll commented that the selection process was still in its initial stages and that Flynn was entitled to stand for selection. SNP MSP Emma Roddick urged the party’s Westminster leader to reconsider his aim of holding two parliamentary seats. The Highlands and Islands representative stated she could not envision “being a good MSP” while dedicating “half” her time in London. 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”.