A THIRD SNP MP has applied to make a run for Holyrood in 2026, joining colleagues Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins.
Dave Doogan, who represents Angus and Perthshire Glens, has confirmed he has submitted his vetting papers for consideration.
It comes as Stephen Gethins announced his application after Stephen Flynn confirmed he would stand and remain an MP if he won a seat in Holyrood.
Doogan is understood to be keeping his options open like Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, with Doogan telling BBC News his application was "not a statement of intent".
The SNP MP also said "it is possible to do both jobs" if the "bulk" of constituents being represented were the same in both parliaments.
Doogan has been approached for comment.
Of the nine SNP MPs at Westminster, it is understood the other six have not applied for Holyrood 2026.
READ MORE: SNP politicians call for Stephen Flynn to 'rethink' MSP bid
The First Minister has also broken his silence on the issue of dual mandates, referencing his own between 1999 and 2001.
John Swinney, who held seats at both Westminster and Holyrood for two years, told BBC Scotland News today: "We’ve had times in the past when we’ve had dual mandates – I had a dual mandate myself for two years in the early days of devolution.
“The party has got to come to its conclusions about these particular issues and it will do in the fullness of time.”
READ MORE: Why Stephen Flynn should change his mind on being an MSP AND MP
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has also responded to the announcements, telling reporters: “The beauty of democracy is that it ultimately will be a decision for the local electorate as to who represents them, both within the party and within the public.
"Now, most recently, that was put to the test with Douglas Ross, he wasn't returned as the MP, and therefore it proves the point that democracy works."
The moves by Flynn, Gethins and Doogan come despite a rule brought in by the SNP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections which said that any MP wishing to become an MSP would have to resign their Westminster seat first. That rule saw Neil Gray resign as an MP, and Joanna Cherry decided not to run for Holyrood.
However, it is understood that the rule was “election specific” and would have to be reinstated to take effect in 2026.
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