Labour has announced their support for an amendment by Tory MSP Graham Simpson that aims to prevent politicians from holding dual positions in both the Holyrood and Westminster parliaments, which could jeopardize Stephen Flynn’s double jobbing plan. Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, has faced criticism from within his own party for attempting to seek a “dual mandate” by running for selection in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine for Holyrood in 2026 while remaining an MP.
The proposed ban would require an MP elected to Holyrood to resign from their Westminster position within eight days. Scottish Labour’s backing of the Simpson amendment is seen as a significant step towards enforcing a ban on double jobbing in politics. Martin Whitfield, a Labour MSP, emphasized the importance of providing genuine representation to the public in each parliament and condemned the practice of holding dual roles as both an MP and MSP.
The vote on the ban could potentially take place before Christmas and would apply to the 2026 election. Despite the SNP government offering a consultation and the possibility of a ban post-2026, Flynn’s announcement of his double jobbing plan prompted Simpson to reintroduce his amendment to the elections bill. Simpson argued that holding both roles simultaneously is unfair to constituents and should be prohibited, pointing out that similar bans are in place in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Flynn’s plan would entail displacing sitting MSP Audrey Nicoll, causing consternation among SNP MSPs who sympathize with her situation. Additionally, there is reported dissatisfaction with Flynn, who is rumored to have leadership aspirations within the party. The controversy surrounding double jobbing and Flynn’s intentions has reignited the debate on the practice of holding dual political roles in Scotland.
In summary, the support of the Labour party for the ban on double jobbing in parliament poses a challenge to Stephen Flynn’s ambitions of simultaneously holding positions in both Westminster and Holyrood. The debate highlights the importance of ensuring full-time representation for constituents and raises questions about the practice of double jobbing in the political landscape.