Yahoo News Stephen Flynn bids to become MSP at 2026 Holyrood election but won't quit Westminster job
Stephen Flynn has put himself forward to become an SNP MSP at the Holyrood election in 2026.
But the Nationalist leader at Westminster has said he does not plan to quit his current job as an MP if he's successful.
Flynn - widely tipped as a possible replacement for John Swinney in future years - must now convince SNP bosses to drop rules barring sitting MPs from becoming MSPs.
If successful, he faces a selection contest in the Aberdeen South constituency - which already has a serving SNP MSP, Audrey Nicoll.
“It’s never an easy decision to put yourself forward for election. You have to discuss things with friends and family, Flynn told the Press & Journal.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf applies to be SNP candidate at the next Holyrood election
“I took some time to properly think things over because there was a high degree of interest in what I was going to do or not do next.
“I came to the conclusion I don’t want to sit it out. I don’t want to sit out those battles that are coming for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the wider nation.”
Asked if he has an ambition to lead the party in the future, he added: “I don’t think the SNP is going to have a leadership contest for very many years.
“I’m fully confident in the manner in which John Swinney is rebuilding the party and refocusing government.
“I appreciate the desire that many people have to speculate in and around what my ambitions are or aren’t.
“Of course I want to do everything I possibly can to help my party and help my country and that will never change.”
Flynn claimed it “didn’t fill him with any great delight” to go up against sitting MSP Audrey Nicoll for selection to the constituency.
Ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections, the SNP changed internal rules to require MPs to resign their seat at Westminster to fight for selection to Holyrood.
This led to then-MP Joanna Cherry pulling out of the selection contest for the Edinburgh Central seat, and at the time she said the rule change “hobbled” her in her Holyrood selection bid.
Flynn insisted party rules are “election-specific”.
"I will not take a second parliamentary income," he added. "This is personal for me, it’s about Scotland’s future, and that is much more valuable than any salary on offer.
“Nevertheless, I’m not blind to the fact that I will have to box smarter and work even harder. Others have done it in the past, not least Alex Salmond and John Swinney, and I’m positive about the prospect of walking the path they previously trod.
“Finally, I also hope not to be alone on a potential path to Holyrood. Some of my current and former colleagues in Westminster, as well as many outwith the world of politics, will hopefully be aiming for elected office in Edinburgh. And that can only be a good thing.”
The SNP’s National Executive Committee is yet to decide the rules for the 2026 Holyrood election.
Reacting to Flynn's announcement, Cherry said: "I wish Stephen well. The SNP badly needs new blood at Holyrood.
"The rule against dual mandates introduced by the NEC in 2021 was not 'election specific' it was person specific. It served its purpose and I predict it will be removed."
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