SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn has introduced he intends to face on the 2026 Holyrood election – however has disregarded 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 normal election and has now submitted an software to hunt his occasion’s nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat to turn into an MSP.
If profitable, Mr Flynn stated he would stay an MP till the following Westminster election however wouldn’t draw two salaries.
Writing within the Press and Journal newspaper, Mr Flynn stated he was throwing his “bonnet within the ring”.
He added: “I do not need to sit out the upcoming battles that our metropolis, shire and nation face in Holyrood.
“From funding the vitality transition to funding childcare, from free larger schooling to larger family payments, from GP appointments to GDP development, the debates will likely be many and different.
“In my thoughts, it’s clear that we’re at an important junction in our nation’s story.”
He additionally stated he hoped to assist his occasion “construct the case for independence”.
SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn. Pic: PA
Mr Flynn has usually been touted as a possible future occasion chief.
He didn’t run on this yr’s SNP management race to switch Humza Yousaf and as a substitute threw his backing behind eventual winner Mr Swinney.
As Mr Flynn will not be an MSP, it will have been tough to turn into first minister at Holyrood.
Nonetheless, the potential transfer to the Scottish parliament would put him heading in the right direction in the direction of Scotland’s prime job.
When requested by the Press and Journal about his management hopes, Mr Flynn stated: “I do not assume the SNP goes to have a management contest for very a few years.
“I am totally assured within the method through which John Swinney is rebuilding the occasion and refocusing authorities.
“I respect the will that many individuals have to invest in and round what my ambitions are or aren’t.
“In fact I need to do every thing I probably can to assist my occasion and assist my nation and that can by no means change.”
Pic: PA
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The deadline for functions to be thought-about for choice as an SNP candidate for the following Scottish parliament election closed on Monday, however the formal choice course of won’t start till subsequent yr.
Mr Flynn stated it “did not fill him with any nice delight” to go up in opposition to sitting MSP Audrey Nicoll for choice to the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency.
When contacted by Sky Information, Ms Nicoll stated: “As a constituency MSP, my focus will stay to work tirelessly for constituents no matter any inside occasion choice processes.
“I stay up for any contest, the place after all it will likely be for department members to pick out these they want to symbolize them in Holyrood within the 2026 Scottish parliament elections.”
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Forward of the 2021 Scottish election, the SNP modified inside guidelines to require MPs to resign their seat at Westminster to struggle for choice to Holyrood.
This led to then MP Joanna Cherry to tug out of the choice contest for the Edinburgh Central seat, and on the time she stated the rule change “hobbled” her in her Holyrood choice bid.
Mr Flynn stated he believed occasion guidelines had been “election-specific”.
Ms Cherry, who misplaced her Westminster seat in July, wished Mr Flynn nicely however stated the SNP rule in opposition to twin mandates was “particular person particular”.
Posting on X, she added: “It served its objective and I predict it will likely be eliminated.”
In his column, Mr Flynn stated he must “field smarter and work even tougher” 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 am optimistic in regards to the prospect of strolling the trail they beforehand trod.”
