Amendments on dual mandates.
Minister for Parliamentary Business said:
“This government has been clear that it is supportive of ending
the practice of dual mandates where MSPs are also able to be MPs
or Peers. Parliament had not fully considered the issue during
Stage 1 of the Scottish Elections Bill, so I committed to holding
a public consultation on the issue to allow political parties,
COSLA and most importantly the public to comment.
“I have worked closely with MSP ahead of the final stage
of the Bill to ensure that amendments to the Bill, if passed by
Parliament, will mean that regulations - informed by the
consultation responses - can be introduced in 2025 to prohibit
MSPs from also serving as MPs and Peers ahead of the 2026
election.
“I will publish the public consultation in January 2025 and
introduce regulations in autumn 2025, which will then be subject
to scrutiny and a vote by MSPs.
“I hope that Parliament will support these amendments as a good
solution to ensure the issue of dual mandates can be considered
properly and regulations informed fully, whilst ensuring the
changes can take place ahead of the 2026 election.”
Background
The amendments will require Ministers to lay regulations to
prohibit MSPs from also being an MP and to prohibit MSPs from
also being a Member of the House of Lords.
