The Scottish National Party (SNP) is currently in deliberation regarding whether its members should be permitted to hold parliamentary seats in both the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood and the UK Parliament at Westminster. This discussion was prompted after First Minister John Swinney addressed the party’s stance on dual mandates. This topic is particularly pertinent in light of recent political maneuvers by various members of the SNP and the growing ambition among some politicians to pursue seats in both parliamentary bodies simultaneously.
Swinney’s comments come in the wake of Westminster leader Stephen Flynn’s announcement declaring his intention to contest the upcoming 2026 Holyrood election, while he currently serves in Westminster. Additionally, fellow SNP MP Stephen Gethins has expressed interest in standing for election, although he has not explicitly stated his desire to juggle responsibilities in both parliaments. Swinney emphasized that the party has yet to formalize its position on this matter, which he insists will be determined thoughtfully over time.
Moreover, Swinney’s remarks touch upon the recent developments concerning former Health Secretary Michael Matheson. Amid reports that Matheson has also put himself forward for consideration, Swinney urged for Matheson to be granted the opportunity to move forward in his political career. Matheson’s prior conduct, particularly concerning an incident where he misled Parliament about an excessive data roaming expense, has cast a shadow over his prospects, yet Swinney defended his past contributions as a diligent public servant.
Adding to the conversation, MP Dave Doogan from Angus and Perthshire Glens mentioned he is contemplating running for a Holyrood seat while potentially retaining his position in Westminster if elected. Despite applications for standing as SNP candidates in the 2026 elections having closed, the formal process for candidate selection will not commence until the following year.
The announcement from Flynn has not been without controversy; his plan to gain nomination for the seat currently held by Audrey Nicoll has led to backlash from some colleagues. Notably, the SNP has previously criticized other party leaders, including ex-Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, for their dual mandates. Swinney highlighted that he, too, had experience with a dual mandate during the early days of Scottish devolution, affirming that the SNP must critically reflect on this topic moving forward.
Former SNP Minister George Adam articulated his disappointment regarding Flynn’s strategy, asserting that pursuing seats in both parliaments contradicts the principles the SNP has long espoused when addressing similar situations. He reminded party members of the loyalty and unity expected among their ranks and hinted at the hypocrisy involved in their actions, as the party has previously condemned others engaging in similar dual roles.
The situation remains dynamic as Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes publicly supported Flynn, citing him as an asset to the Scottish Parliament. This comes against a backdrop where she had previously criticized Douglas Ross for simultaneously holding multiple roles—a point she reiterates to suggest that democracy will ultimately guide the electorate’s choice on representation.
Fellow SNP members, such as Gethins, who desires to revisit his role at Holyrood, have indicated their willingness to keep options open while prioritizing their current responsibilities at Westminster. Other MPs have remained silent on their intentions, with some not seeking candidacy for the forthcoming elections.
Swinney also acknowledged the evolving internal regulations, which previously mandated MPs to resign from Westminster to contest Holyrood candidacies. Recently, Flynn conveyed uncertainty surrounding these rules, suggesting they were intended for that specific electoral cycle.
As the party navigates this intricate landscape of ambitions and responsibilities, the discourse surrounding dual mandates continues to elicit a mixture of support and criticism. Ultimately, the evolving dynamics within the SNP underscore the challenges of balancing political aspirations while adhering to party principles and public expectations.
