Fresh calls to Salmond over 'double-jobbing'

Published on Wednesday 4 November 2009 21:14

SIR Christopher Kelly's recommendation that politicians should not be members of more than one UK parliament has reignited calls for Alex Salmond to give up his position as an MP.

The report said the practice of MPs sitting at Westminster as well as devolved institutions – known as "double-jobbing" – should come to an end.

Although primarily aimed at Northern Ireland politicians, several of whom sit in the Commons and at Stormont, the recommendation, number 40 of the report, led to calls for the First Minister to re-examine his position.

"He is letting down both his Westminster constituents and the people of Scotland," Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said.

"Surely his job as First Minister of Scotland should take up all his time, energy and commitment. Likewise, any constituent should expect full commitment from their MP. He cannot fulfil both jobs properly."

The Kelly Report said double-jobbing should come to an end by the next devolved administration elections in 2011. Mr Salmond has already said he will stand down from Westminster at next year's General Election.

The First Minister's spokesman said: "The hypocrisy of Labour and the Tories is astonishing, given their MSPs who are seeking new dual mandate situations next year, without even bothering to ask their constituents in 2007."

The SNP pointed out that John Lamont, the Tory MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, and Alex Johnstone, a Tory MSP for North East Scotland were standing for Westminster seats.

The Tories said both would quit Holyrood at "the first electoral opportunity if … elected to the British Parliament".