The Scottish National Party (SNP) is currently deliberating on whether its MPs will be permitted to run for seats in the Holyrood parliament in 2026, as reported by John Swinney. Historically, SNP members at Westminster were required to step down from their positions before being considered as candidates for the Scottish Parliament. However, this policy seems to have shifted recently, particularly after Stephen Flynn announced his plan to stand for Holyrood while retaining his role as an MP. Additionally, two other SNP MPs, Dave Doogan and Stephen Gethins, have also expressed interest in becoming Holyrood candidates in 2026.
Former SNP minister George Adam criticized the idea of MPs holding dual roles in both Westminster and Holyrood, highlighting the party’s previous opposition to such arrangements. On the other hand, Kate Forbes praised Flynn as a potential asset to the Scottish Parliament but noted that it would ultimately be up to the local electorate to decide on representation. Gethins, who is a current MP representing Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, mentioned his desire to return to Holyrood where he previously served as a government adviser, while emphasizing his duty to represent constituents at the UK parliament.
Dave Doogan confirmed that he has submitted his papers for SNP vetting ahead of the 2026 election, indicating a potential interest in standing for Holyrood. The party is yet to make a definitive decision on ‘double jobbing’ MPs seeking to join Holyrood, leaving it open for further discussion and evaluation.
In light of recent developments within the SNP regarding MPs running for Holyrood, it will be interesting to see how the party navigates the potential challenges and opportunities that may arise from this shift in approach. The decision made by the SNP could have significant implications for the party’s representation at both Westminster and Holyrood, as well as how their members balance their responsibilities in different roles. Ultimately, this unfolding situation underscores the complexities of dual mandates in politics and the need to strike a balance between representing different constituencies effectively.