Stephen Flynn has been the MP for Aberdeen South since 2019 and is currently the SNP’s Westminster leader, and in recent years has been given more prominence within the party. He caused controversy when he announced he wanted to sit in both Westminster and Holyrood at the same time, and for appearing to pressure female colleague Audrey Nicoll MSP to step aside to let him stand in the seat instead. Mr Flynn will be standing in Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine - but will now have to give up his job as an MP if he wins.placeholder image
Stephen Flynn has been the MP for Aberdeen South since 2019 and is currently the SNP’s Westminster leader, and in recent years has been given more prominence within the party. He caused controversy when he announced he wanted to sit in both Westminster and Holyrood at the same time, and for appearing to pressure female colleague Audrey Nicoll MSP to step aside to let him stand in the seat instead. Mr Flynn will be standing in Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine - but will now have to give up his job as an MP if he wins. | Lesley Martin/Press Association

The 10 SNP candidates hoping to switch from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament - including Stephen Flynn

Rachel Amery
By Rachel Amery

Political Correspondent

Published 7th May 2025, 11:46 GMT

A whole host of familiar SNP faces at Westminster are hoping to win seats at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

With exactly one year to go until the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP has unveiled its candidate list - and there is a bit of a theme.

There are several names from Westminster all hoping to win a seat in Holyrood.

For the best Scottish politics news and analysis, get The Steamie newsletter

Whether it is figures from the existing crop of SNP MPs, or the numerous high fliers who lost their seat at last year’s general election, The Scotsman takes a look at the ten SNP candidates hoping to make the switch from Westminster to Holyrood.

Steven Bonnar was the MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill from 2019 until last year’s general election. He is now hoping to win the Uddingston and Bellshill seat at Holyrood, which is currently held by the SNP’s Stephanie Callaghan.

9. 9 - Steven Bonnar

Steven Bonnar was the MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill from 2019 until last year’s general election. He is now hoping to win the Uddingston and Bellshill seat at Holyrood, which is currently held by the SNP’s Stephanie Callaghan. | Contributed

Photo Sales
Alan Brown represented Kilmarnock and Loudon at Westminster from 2015 until losing last year’s general election. Over the years he was the party’s energy and net zero spokesman. He will be standing in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley which is currently held by the SNP’s Willie Coffey.

10. 10 - Alan Brown

Alan Brown represented Kilmarnock and Loudon at Westminster from 2015 until losing last year’s general election. Over the years he was the party’s energy and net zero spokesman. He will be standing in Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley which is currently held by the SNP’s Willie Coffey. | SNP

Photo Sales
Previous
3 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:SNPHolyroodScottish ParliamentMPs
Dare to be Honest
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice