The SNP’s Westminster leader has submitted an application to stand for the party at the next Scottish Parliament election – but, if elected, he also aims to remain an MP.Writing in the Press and Journal newspaper,

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has announced he intends to stand at the 2026 Holyrood election - but has brushed off speculation it's a move to take over from John Swinney.Mr Flynn, 36, was re-elected as the MP for Aberdeen South in July's general election and has now submitted an application to seek his party's nomination for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat to become an MSP.

Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have also applied to be candidates, but are yet to confirm whether they will stand.

Stephen Flynn’s move has fuelled speculation over his leadership ambitions Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader, has confirmed he will stand in the Scottish Parliament election in 2026. Mr Flynn is the MP for Aberdeen South and plans to remain so until the next general election.