Former SNP MPs Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins have officially resigned from what they called a "crisis-ridden Westminster," triggering by-elections in Scotland. The two politicians requested their resignations from the House of Commons on Thursday, initiating the process for the writ to be moved for the by-elections in Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry.
Stephen Flynn’s Departure
Stephen Flynn served as an SNP MP for Aberdeen South since 2019 and was the party’s Westminster leader before stepping down to allow Dave Doogan to take his place. He was elected to the Scottish Parliament for Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine in last week’s Holyrood election. In his resignation statement, Flynn highlighted the persistent turmoil in Westminster, stating: "Being in Westminster for six and a half years was an honour, but I’m so proud to have now been given the chance to serve back home in Scotland’s national parliament. When I entered Westminster it was during the chaos of Brexit and, as I depart, it is now consumed by the chaos of Starmer – the people and parties of power have changed, but the chaos has been constant." He contrasted this with the leadership of John Swinney and the SNP, who he said have shown serious leadership for Scotland and were rewarded at the ballot box. Flynn reiterated his commitment to protecting oil and gas workers, opposing Labour’s attacks on industry and the Reform Party’s opposition to carbon storage and offshore wind investment.
Stephen Gethins’ Resignation
Stephen Gethins served as a SNP MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry since the 2024 general election and was elected as an MSP for Dundee City East last week. He praised the orderly conduct of calling for by-elections in a timely fashion, which he said stands in stark contrast to "crisis-ridden Westminster." Gethins stated: "It has been an honour to serve Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and I very much look forward to representing the people of Dundee City East in Holyrood. The experienced and strong leadership of John Swinney is a million miles away from the chaos we see again and again in broken, Brexit Britain – Holyrood is where Scotland’s future should be decided and I cannot wait to play whatever role I can in securing a better future for the people of Scotland." He emphasised that it is time to serve in a parliament that delivers for the people of Scotland and backs a First Minister and government that puts them first.
Both resignations trigger by-elections in their former constituencies, which will be held in the coming months.
