The SNP's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, has stated his intention to run as a candidate for the party in next year's elections to the Scottish Parliament.
The MP retreated from aspirations to secure a position at both Westminster and Holyrood after backlash from colleagues .
He now looks set to be nominated to stand for the SNP in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine.
Flynn said he was "delighted" but added the selection process was yet to finish.
It is clear that there might be a selection competition if another candidate manages to gather sufficient signatures to challenge him. However, a party insider informed AinotiScotland News that this scenario appears "improbable."
Flynn plans to leave his position as an MP in order to secure a spot at Holyrood; however, he hasn't officially stated whether he'll quit before the election. Under the updated Holyrood regulations prohibiting dual roles, he might be required to make this move sooner rather than later.
Selection row
The Member of Parliament representing Aberdeen South in the House of Commons, announced in November that he planned to run in the upcoming Scottish election scheduled for next May.
If voted into Holyrood, he stated that he would seek to retain his Westminster position up until the subsequent general election without drawing dual salaries.
Following criticism from party colleagues, Flynn conceded that he had made a mistake and said he would not seek a dual mandate.
However, he did not rule out a bid to win a Holyrood seat.
The Scottish Parliament has subsequently decided to prohibit MSPs from serving as MPs or members of the House of Lords.
The regulations, brought forward as part of the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, could come into force as early as the autumn.
This implies that the regulations will be implemented before the 2026 election date, although they might incorporate a transition period or various exceptions.
Flynn said: "While the internal selection period is yet to conclude, I am of course delighted to have been nominated by SNP members across Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, many of whom I've campaigned alongside for close to 15 years."
He stated that it would be a tremendous honor to get selected for the Scottish Parliament and contribute towards enhancing Aberdeen’s capabilities, ensuring Scotland's progress as an autonomous country within Europe.
- MSPs support proposals to stop 'double Jobbing'
- Scottish National Party MSP planning to step down ahead of Holyrood elections
EmoticonEmoticon