Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland Graham Simpson has led the Scottish Parliament in an historic ban on dual mandate. During yesterday's stage three debate on the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, Graham Simpson lodged three amendments to ban so-called double jobbing, which were backed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Government supported Graham Simpson's amendments to stop MPs and members of the House of Lords from being MPs, while consulting on a similar ban for councillors. The amendments were agreed unanimously by Holyrood, meaning that regulations will be in place in time for the 2026 Scottish election.
Graham Simpson MSP said: "This is not a cosy club, this is a Parliament. This is not a second-rate chamber to be used as a part-time hobby, this is a serious Parliament, and members should be fully focused on their work here. Double-jobbing should be consigned to history.
"The ability to sit in both of our parliaments was unique in the UK to Scotland. The law says that members of the Senedd in Wales can't sit in both places and nor can Northern Ireland Assembly members. I see no reason why Scotland should be an outlier.
"I am absolutely delighted that my bid to ban double jobbing was backed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament. We as a Parliament have done the right thing and consigned double jobbing to history."
