Momentum is growing against dual mandates in Scotland and second jobs for MPs
The practice of dual mandates, or double jobbing, has been a minor but persistent problem since the establishment of devolved parliaments and assemblies at the end of the 1990s. When an individual holds two positions simultaneously, such as MP, peer, Member of the Scottish Parliament or London Assembly Member, they are said to have a dual mandate.
Unlock Democracy wants the government to clamp down on second jobs held by MPs. That’s why I brought forward a motion on the issue at our recent AGM, which I’m delighted to say passed and calls on our organisation to engage with the House of Commons’ brand new Modernisation Committee on the outside employment and improving standards in parliament.
Dual mandates are a small part of that, which needs to be addressed as well. Momentum has been building against them in recent months, following SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn’s plans to stand for Holyrood in 2026 and hold a dual mandate until 2029. The backlash against his decision proved so strong he changed his mind but the possibility for dual mandates to be held still remains.
What’s wrong with dual mandates?
The case against dual mandates is one of principles and practicalities. Double jobbing is unfair on voters, who deserve committed representatives focusing on one clear job with a clear set of responsibilities at a time.
Not to mention these are full-time jobs, with MPs often working overtime to represent their constituents. Justifying two full-time jobs in two often different parts of the country, including significant constituency work, simply isn’t feasible.
Simply put, constituents deserve full-time dedicated representatives speaking up for them in parliament. Not part-time parliamentarians with focus elsewhere.
Learning from Wales and Northern Ireland
Since legislation passed by Westminster in 2014, MPs and peers cannot also hold positions in the Senedd Cymru nor the Northern Ireland Assembly (members of the House of Lords can take a leave of absence if elected, which as it happens is what Scottish Labour’s Katy Clark, who has a peerage, has voluntarily done for her time in the Scottish Parliament). Further legislation means that part-time councillors can retain their seats if elected to the Senedd if an election is due within just over a year while councillors cannot become legislators at Stormont.
There is therefore precedent for bans within the United Kingdom. Scotland and the London Assembly should follow suit in relation to MPs and peers, and Councillors.
Let’s tighten the rules in Scotland and London to bring about consistency
Next week Members of the Scottish Parliament have the opportunity to debate and vote on a ban on MPs and peers from also serving as MSPs. The amendment was retabled following the uproar over Stephen Flynn’s bid to become an MSP and followed three years of the then Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross holding two mandates until losing his Westminster seat in July’s election.
Westminster’s Modernisation Committee also has an opportunity to recommend restrictions on dual mandates as part of its role looking at MPs’ outside employment and driving up standards in parliament. The committee should recommend restricting second jobs, and as part of that a ban on MPs and peers holding positions in the Scottish Parliament and London Assembly and other full-time political positions.
There’s also the issue of councillors who become MSPs, MPs, London Assembly Members, mayors or Police and Crime Commissioner. This is slightly different as these council roles are part-time. The solution here might be taken from Wales where part-time councillors who become MPs or MSs have to resign immediately unless they have council elections within the year, so as to minimise disruption in local government.
Dual mandates are ultimately unfair on constituents who deserve full-time dedicated representatives at Holyrood, the London Assembly and Westminster. Whatever the party, double jobbing is wrong. It’s time for our parliaments to act and ban dual mandates once and for all.
Richard Wood, Unlock Democracy Council member