SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn will not search a twin mandate to face as an MSP within the Scottish parliament whereas remaining an MP.
Mr Flynn, who was re-elected because the MP for Aberdeen South in July, sparked criticism after saying plans earlier this month to win his social gathering’s nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat within the Holyrood 2026 election.
If profitable, the 36-year-old vowed to stay an MP till the subsequent basic election however wouldn’t settle for two salaries.
Nevertheless, his plan drew ire from members of his personal social gathering given Mr Flynn was amongst SNP colleagues who criticised former Scottish Tory chief Douglas Ross for beforehand doing the identical factor.
Public finance minister Ivan McKee mentioned “double-jobbing – working as an MP and an MSP – isn’t sustainable”, whereas MSP Emma Roddick urged him to rethink his choice.
The seat can also be at present held by SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll.
On Thursday, Mr Flynn admitted he had “got this one wrong” and would not be pursuing each jobs.
He mentioned: “Hands up, I’ve got this one wrong and won’t be pursuing a dual mandate.
“My intention to avoid wasting the general public purse from pointless pressure by probably overlapping the position of an MP and an MSP for a brief interval till the subsequent basic election was real in its intent – however doing it for the appropriate causes would not change the truth that I bought it mistaken.
“My motivation and central belief remains that Holyrood, as the heart of Scottish democracy, is the democratic platform that will drive the route to an independent Scotland.
“All of us within the independence motion share that frequent trigger and wish to be a part of that story.
“Alongside all SNP members, I now look forward to assessing the new candidate selection rules that my party will put in place.”
Mr Flynn has usually been touted as a possible future social gathering chief.
He didn’t run on this yr’s SNP management race to interchange Humza Yousaf and as a substitute threw his backing behind eventual winner Mr Swinney.
As Mr Flynn just isn’t an MSP, it will have been troublesome to develop into first minister at Holyrood.
Nevertheless, the potential transfer to the Scottish parliament would put him heading in the right direction in the direction of Scotland’s high job.
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Amid the “double-jobbing” row, Mr Swinney described Mr Flynn as one of many SNP’s “great stars”.
The primary minister added: “He is an immense talent and he’s a superbly talented individual.”
The deadline for purposes to be thought of for choice as an SNP candidate for the subsequent Scottish parliament election closed final week, however the formal choice course of is not going to start till subsequent yr.
Forward of the 2021 Scottish election, the SNP modified inner guidelines to require MPs to resign their seat at Westminster to battle for choice to Holyrood.
This led to then MP Joanna Cherry to drag out of the choice contest for the Edinburgh Central seat, and on the time she mentioned the rule change “hobbled” her in her Holyrood choice bid.
The social gathering’s ruling physique – the Nationwide Govt Committee (NEC) – might determine to scrap the rule for contests forward of 2026.
Nevertheless, opposition events have known as for twin mandates to be banned, with the Scottish Tories re-tabling an modification to the Scottish Elections (Illustration and Reform) Invoice to outlaw it in time for the 2026 election.
A vote is anticipated to be held earlier than Christmas, with each Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens anticipated to help the transfer.
MSP Rachael Hamilton, deputy chief of the Scottish Tories, branded Mr Flynn’s U-turn “humiliating”.
She added: “His plans were typical of arrogant SNP politicians who think there should be one rule for them and another for everyone else.
“Nevertheless, even individuals in his personal social gathering noticed proper by means of his rank hypocrisy and made their emotions identified.
“The public deserve better than nationalists prioritising their own career options, rather than addressing what Scots are really concerned about.”
