John Swinney has cautioned that holding dual roles as both an MSP and an MP simultaneously is “very demanding” amidst a growing debate within the SNP. The First Minister’s remarks come as Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, faced criticism for his decision to run for a Holyrood seat in 2026 without resigning from his Commons position. Ivan McKee, a colleague of Swinney, previously expressed doubts about the sustainability of double jobbing, hinting at Flynn’s intentions.
Some SNP MSPs have expressed frustration towards Flynn after he announced his candidacy for Aberdeen South, currently represented by Audrey Nicoll. Swinney, reflecting on his past experience with a dual mandate, acknowledged the challenges involved in juggling responsibilities in both parliaments. Nonetheless, he praised Flynn as a valuable asset to the party, referring to him as one of their standout members.
While Swinney refrained from directly endorsing or criticising Flynn’s decision, he emphasized the importance of party unity and navigating through potential internal conflicts. McKee, echoing similar sentiments, highlighted the impracticality of managing dual roles effectively and emphasised the need for undivided commitment to parliamentary duties.
The issue of double jobbing holds significance within the SNP, as a rule was implemented before the 2021 Holyrood election to prevent MPs from standing for a Scottish Parliament seat without relinquishing their Westminster position. This rule change was widely interpreted as a measure to deter potential contenders, such as Joanna Cherry, from pursuing dual mandates.
As the SNP’s national executive committee retains the authority to determine the party’s electoral policies for the upcoming 2026 election, the debate surrounding double jobbing and its implications on parliamentary representation remains unresolved.
In summary, the discussion around double jobbing within the SNP underscores the complexities of balancing multiple political roles and the party’s ongoing efforts to establish coherent guidelines for elected members. Swinney’s acknowledgement of the demanding nature of holding dual mandates sheds light on the nuanced considerations involved in representing constituents effectively across different chambers. The differing perspectives within the party regarding this issue highlight the broader challenges of leadership and decision-making in a dynamic political landscape.