 | 'While technically Mr Salmond could continue as an MSP until the 2003 Scottish parliamentary elections, it is widely viewed within the party that dual mandates are undesirable and time-limited.' Michael Settle in the Herald, 11 th January 2001. |  |
| 'While technically Mr Salmond could continue as an MSP until the 2003 Scottish parliamentary elections, it is widely viewed within the party that dual mandates are undesirable and time-limited.' Michael Settle in the Herald, 11 th January 2001. | |
The long-awaited decision, which will end weeks of speculation, will come after a meeting of his constituency party when delegates from local branches are expected to urge Mr Salmond to remain in London - a request he is certain to comply with.
This would enable him to join his successor, John Swinney, at the head of the party's general election charge. Pressure from party chiefs has been building on the 46-year-old grandee to continue at Westminster and provide the nationalists with a "big hitter". Last July, Mr Salmond stunned colleagues when he resigned as leader, and his future looked certain to be in Edinburgh.
However, the concern within nationalist ranks is clear: all of Mr Salmond's Commons colleagues will be relinquishing their seats at the forthcoming general election and a new generation of SNP MPs would be totally inexperienced in the ways of Westminster.
One party source suggested that Mr Salmond's remaining in London "would certainly shoot Labour's fox about the SNP being inexperienced at Westminster". Labour MPs will undoubtedly interpret such a move as a less-than-ringing endorsement of the Scottish parliament and an acceptance that the other SNP candidates are not top drawer.
Mr Salmond, who has a Westminster majority of 12,845, has insisted he will consult with his local party in Banff and Buchan before making a final decision.
Last night, Stan Tennant, convener of the SNP's Banff and Buchan constituency party, admitted this view was "favourable" among local members. Personally, Mr Tennant also feels it best if the former party leader retains his London seat.
He told The Herald: "Since Alex stepped down as leader I have felt the best position he could be in for the party, the constituency and Scotland would be at Westminster. He would be a loss to the Scottish parliament but it's where he would be most effective."
Mr Tennant insisted that Mr Salmond knew the Westminster set-up and preferred it to Holyrood's. "The Scottish parliament is a completely different style. He has not been accustomed to that and is obviously more comfortable with Westminster," he added.
Even Labour MPs admit Mr Salmond would provide the SNP with some credible force on the Commons benches. One back bencher commented: "The SNP would have absolutely no one at Westminster without Alex. He stands head and shoulders above any of their candidates."
Last night, when confronted with the views from Westminster and Scotland, Mr Salmond commented only: "I look forward to hearing the views of my constituency party on Sunday when I will make a statement."
On Saturday, the SNP's ruling executive committee will meet in Edinburgh to push through the rule change, which will enable Mr Salmond, the SNP's Holyrood candidate for Banff and Buchan, and Stewart Stevenson, its Westminster candidate for the constituency, to swap roles.
Mr Tennant explained this would be a departure from normal practice, as there would be single nominees to become the election candidates when normally the process was open to other applicants.
On Sunday, both candidates will attend a meeting of the local party at Strichen community hall when 20 delegates from the five local branches will give their views on whether Mr Salmond should seek to stay at Westminster.
Mr Tennant said that after the meeting, due to start about 7pm, Mr Salmond would issue a statement. The fall-out from a positive decision by Mr Salmond will be that Mr Stevenson will have to refocus his efforts from London to Edinburgh and that a Holyrood by-election will be on the cards.
Mr Tennant said Mr Stevenson would be willing to change horses. "Stewart is committed to doing whatever is best for the party and for Scotland," he said.
While technically Mr Salmond could continue as an MSP until the 2003 Scottish parliamentary elections, it is widely viewed within the party that dual mandates are undesirable and time-limited.
Consequently, a Holyrood by-election would be called this year after the expected May 3 general election. Party chiefs would be confident of Mr Stevenson's keeping the seat for the nationalists, given the SNP majority is 11,292.
- Jan 11
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