Stephen Flynn aims to stand for SNP at Holyrood election

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn intends to stand at the 2026 Holyrood elections, he has announced.

Flynn was re-elected as the MP for Aberdeen South in July’s general election.

He said if elected to the Scottish Parliament he would aim to hold his Westminster seat until the next general election, due in 2029, but would not accept two salaries.

Applications to stand as an SNP candidate in 2026 closed on Monday, though the formal selection process will not start until next year.

BBC News understands that former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have submitted applications, but are both yet to decide on whether to stand for re-election.

Flynn, writing in the Press and Journal, confirmed he was throwing his “bonnet in the ring”.

He said he hoped to win his party’s nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat, currently held by Audrey Nicoll.

The SNP Westminster leader added: “I don’t want to sit out the upcoming battles that our city, shire and country 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.”

He also said he hoped to help the SNP build the case for independence.

Flynn pointed to examples of SNP politicians who have held seats in both parliaments before, citing First Minister John Swinney and ex-First Minister Alex Salmond.