'Double-jobbing' ban: Holyrood votes to block MSPs sitting as MPs after amendments to bill

Holyrood has unanimously backed legislation which will ban MSPs sitting as MPs after the passage of amendments to an elections Bill.

Members supported amendments from Conservative MSP Graham Simpson which made the change to the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill on Tuesday.

It comes in the wake of a row involving Stephen Flynn, who announced in November that he wanted to run for the Holyrood seat of Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat in 2026.

But his decision prompted a backlash after he said he would not step down as the MP for Aberdeen South.

Flynn has since walked back from that pledge after a fallout from across the political spectrum, including within his own party, over so-called ‘double-jobbing’.

The Scottish Government confirmed the Bill passed its final stage on Tuesday, and will be in place by the 2026 Holyrood election.

Under the proposals, an MP who is elected to Holyrood would be required to stand down from Westminster within eight days.

It also emerged during the debate that the SNP has banned MPs from standing for Holyrood in 18 months’ time unless they first resign their Westminster seat, according to parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn.

Simpson said: “This is not a cosy club, this is a Parliament, this is not a second-rate chamber to be used as a part-time hobby, this is a serious Parliament, and members should be fully focused on their work here.

“Being an MSP demands our full attention, it is a full-time job, we make laws for the people, not to protect the vested interests of individuals or parties.

“The amendments I am proposing today stand up for this Parliament and the standing that it should enjoy – double-jobbing should be consigned to history.”

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said his party supported the amendments because being a member of any Parliament is a “full-time job”.

He added: “The job is a privilege, a huge privilege, but it’s also immensely challenging, and it’s the kind of challenge that requires dedication to the role, a level of dedication I think we would all recognise our constituents expect from us.”

Along with the ban on double-jobbing, the Bill also makes provisions that will allow foreign nationals with limited leave to remain to run for office while barring sex offenders from holding office, along with those who have been convicted of a crime which includes hostility towards politicians or electoral staff.

The details of the regulations will be informed through a consultation beginning next month.

Parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Since 1999 the Scottish Parliament has improved participation, extended voting rights, and enabled more people to stand for election and this legislation seeks to continue the evolution of our democracy.

“It will modernise Scottish elections and take important steps to safeguard our democracy for voters, candidates and administrators.

“Through positive cross-party working, we have agreed a robust set of improvements to the law, which will deliver real benefits to voters and prospective candidates.”