The SNP’s Westminster leader has unveiled a controversial plan to sit in both the Commons and the Scottish Parliament amid speculation he will replace John Swinney.Stephen Flynn announced he was “chucking my bonnet in the ring” to be the party’s candidate for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine at the 2026 Scottish Parliament 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.

Writing in the Press and Journal newspaper, Stephen Flynn said he hopes to be joined by current and former colleagues at Westminster in aiming to become an MSP at the 2026 election. He said that, if elected, he plans to remain the MP for Aberdeen South until the next general election, but would not take two salaries.

Stephen Flynn has often been touted as a potential future SNP leader, but has brushed off speculation his plan is part of a move to take over from John Swinney.

The Nationalist leader in the House of Commons faces a selection battle to secure the nomination for the Aberdeen South constituency.