Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, has faced backlash within his party following his announcement to contest the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. Flynn currently represents Aberdeen South in Westminster and aims to challenge Audrey Nicoll for her Holyrood seat. Despite asserting he would not accept dual salaries, tensions have risen within the SNP over internal rules and leadership ambitions. First Minister John Swinney has acknowledged past dual mandates but emphasized that decisions on party rules will be made soon.