SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn has introduced he intends to face on the 2026 Holyrood election – however has dismissed hypothesis it is a transfer to take over from John Swinney.
Mr Flynn, 36, was re-elected because the MP for Aberdeen South in July’s basic election and has now submitted an utility to hunt his social gathering’s nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat to turn into an MSP.
If profitable, Mr Flynn mentioned he would stay an MP till the subsequent Westminster election however wouldn’t draw two salaries.
He added: “I do not wish to sit out the upcoming battles that our metropolis, shire and nation face in Holyrood.
“From funding the energy transition to funding childcare, from free higher education to higher household bills, from GP appointments to GDP growth, the debates will be many and varied.
“In my thoughts, it’s clear that we’re at an important junction in our nation’s story.”
He additionally mentioned he hoped to assist his social gathering “build the case for independence”.
Picture:
SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn. Pic: PA
Mr Flynn has typically 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 an alternative threw his backing behind eventual winner Mr Swinney.
As Mr Flynn is just not an MSP, it could have been troublesome to turn into first minister at Holyrood.
Nonetheless, the potential transfer to the Scottish parliament would put him heading in the right direction in direction of Scotland’s high job.
When requested by the Press and Journal about his management hopes, Mr Flynn mentioned: “I don’t think the SNP is going to have a leadership contest for very many years.
“I am totally assured within the method wherein John Swinney is rebuilding the social gathering and refocusing authorities.
“I appreciate the desire that many people have to speculate in and around what my ambitions are or aren’t.
“After all I wish to do every little thing I probably can to assist my social gathering and assist my nation and that may by no means change.”
Picture:
Pic: PA
The deadline for purposes to be thought-about for choice as an SNP candidate for the subsequent Scottish parliament election closed on Monday, however the formal choice course of won’t start till subsequent yr.
Mr Flynn mentioned it “didn’t fill him with any great delight” to go up towards sitting MSP Audrey Nicoll for choice to the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency.
“I look forward to any contest, where of course it will be for branch members to select those they wish to represent them in Holyrood in the 2026 Scottish parliament elections.”
Forward of the 2021 Scottish election, the SNP modified inner guidelines to require MPs to resign their seat at Westminster to struggle 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.
Mr Flynn mentioned he believed social gathering guidelines had been “election-specific”.
Ms Cherry, who misplaced her Westminster seat in July, wished Mr Flynn properly however mentioned the SNP rule towards twin mandates was “person specific”.
Posting on X, she added: “It served its purpose and I predict it will be removed.”
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In his column, Mr Flynn mentioned he must “box smarter and work even harder” as he pointed to examples of SNP politicians who’ve held seats in each parliaments earlier than, citing Mr Swinney and the late former first minister Alex Salmond.
He added: “I’m positive about the prospect of walking the path they previously trod.”
