BEING an MP and MSP at the same time is “not sustainable”, an SNP minister has said.
Appearing on BBC Radio Scotland on Thursday morning, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said he did not believe that it was possible to give both parliaments “due attention”.
The discussion around “double-jobbing” was sparked after SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn announced his intention to stand for Holyrood in the 2026 elections without resigning his seat as an MP.
Flynn’s announcement of his intention to run for the Scottish Parliament was quickly followed by two other MPs, Dave Doogan and Stephen Gethins, saying they had also submitted nomination papers for 2026.
In the 2021 Holyrood elections, the SNP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked MPs from standing unless they first resigned their Westminster seats. However, that rule has since been described as “election specific” and there is uncertainty around whether the NEC will re-impose it for 2026.
The Times reported one SNP source as claiming there was “definitely a clear majority on the NEC against a dual mandate” – although The National has been told it is less clear cut and that a decision will be made in due course.
The BBC asked McKee about the reports in The Times, to which the minister replied that he was “not party to those [the NEC’s] discussions”.
Asked if he thought “double-jobbing” should be banned, McKee said: “I think that double-jobbing, working as an MP and MSP, isn't sustainable. I've got a full-time job as an MSP and a minister.
“So I think trying to be an MSP and an MP at the same time isn't sustainable.”
Asked if he would like to see Flynn quit Westminster before running for Holyrood, he said: “I think Stephen’s got huge talent. He's got a lot to offer to the party and the country in the years to come.
“I think that we do know that the SNP is probably the most democratic party, one of the most democratic parties, in terms of members can stand to challenge sitting MSPs and that applies to all of us, and there was quite a number of those challenges in the last cycle, and that's to be welcomed.”
Meanwhile, John Swinney described Stephen Flynn as a “star” with “immense talent” after being questioned on the issue after First Minister's Questions on Thursday.
The First Minister said Flynn has a “huge contribution to make” to the party.
“I think Stephen has a huge contribution to make to the activity and agenda of the SNP – he is a superb contributor.”
The SNP leader said it is up to the party whether Flynn is allowed to run as an MSP, and added: “But let there be absolutely no doubt that I think Stephen Flynn is one of our stars and I think he’s got a huge contribution to make to our party.”
The First Minister – who previously served as both an MSP and an MP for two years – said holding two jobs was “very, very demanding”.
He added: “That’s a very real fact that’s got to be considered in any judgment about that issue."
Flynn has made clear his intention to run for Holyrood in the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency, which is held by SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll.
On Wednesday, her fellow SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed appeared to raise the issue at a Holyrood committee hearing.
Tweed asked the SNP's local government and campaigns officer Cailyn McMahon: "If, and I know this is quite specific to our party, but if somebody came in on an all-woman list and is a sitting MSP and is very competent, very strong, doing a good job, will there be any protections in place from a male person coming in to challenge her?"
McMahon said it was “absolutely a valid point and this is something we should prioritise”.
