Edinburgh, Scotland — In a bold move that has reignited debate over dual mandates, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has announced his intention to stand for a seat in the Scottish Parliament in 2026. Currently the MP for Aberdeen South, Flynn has proposed that he would hold onto his Westminster seat until the next general election, slated for 2029, if elected to Holyrood. However, he has committed to drawing only one salary.
A Surprising Announcement Sparks Party Tensions
Flynn’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions within the SNP. Some party members have raised concerns, with one senior SNP member describing Flynn’s move as “naked ambition.” Flynn, however, maintains that his motivation is purely to strengthen the SNP’s representation as the party pushes for Scottish independence.
“As we make this journey to independence, I believe that we need our strongest voices within Holyrood,” Flynn said, emphasizing his commitment to “pulling in the same direction” as the rest of the party.
Flynn’s intentions raise questions for incumbent SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll, who currently holds the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat. Nicoll has expressed her desire to continue in her role, adding a layer of complexity to Flynn’s bid for a dual mandate.
A Party Policy Shift?
The SNP’s stance on dual mandates has traditionally been firm. Prior to the 2021 election, the party enacted rules requiring MPs to resign from Westminster if they wished to seek election to Holyrood. This rule led to high-profile cases, such as then-MP Joanna Cherry, who withdrew from a Holyrood selection contest due to the policy. Health Secretary Neil Gray similarly resigned as an MP before winning a seat at Holyrood in 2021.
However, some SNP insiders suggest that the dual mandate policy could be adjusted. Cherry herself recently commented that the rule was “person specific,” hinting that it might not apply in the 2026 election. A Scottish government consultation on banning MSPs from holding dual mandates is underway, but any changes are unlikely to be implemented by the next election.
Flynn Faces Criticism from Inside and Outside the Party
Flynn’s announcement has drawn criticism from both within the SNP and from opposition parties. SNP MSP Emma Roddick voiced her disapproval on social media, urging Flynn to reconsider. Roddick, who previously held a dual mandate as an Inverness councillor, argued that managing dual roles is challenging and potentially detrimental to constituents.
Conservative MSP Liam Kerr criticized the move as “absolute hypocrisy,” accusing the SNP of applying double standards. Labour leader Anas Sarwar also condemned the SNP’s shifting stance on dual mandates, citing their previous opposition to such arrangements.
Context and Consequences for the SNP
Flynn’s decision comes amid a backdrop of shifting party dynamics, with the SNP’s top figures—such as former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf—also yet to confirm their plans for the 2026 Holyrood election. Flynn has been tipped as a future SNP leader, though he expressed confidence in current First Minister John Swinney, stating, “I just want to be part of his team.”
The question of dual mandates remains unresolved within the SNP, with significant implications for both Flynn and the party. As the 2026 election approaches, the SNP’s stance on this issue could determine how it manages internal competition and addresses the complex intersection of roles within both Westminster and Holyrood.
