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Now Tories bid to stop repeat of migrant MSP election row
Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle plans to introduce a Bill at Holyrood to prevent people without permanent UK residence rights from standing in Scottish Parliament or local council elections. The proposal would reverse changes made by the SNP government, following controversy over Green MSP Q Manivannan’s election in May while he had a temporary visa.
The changes, made under the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 and effective from last August, allowed foreign nationals with any form of leave to stand. Eagle’s Bill would generally require indefinite leave to remain or EU pre-settled status, while preserving existing council candidacy rights for nationals of five countries covered by reciprocal treaties: Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain. Separately, Scottish Government legislation addressing eligibility for Commonwealth citizens with limited leave was due for a stage one vote.
In short
- Tim Eagle proposes restricting election candidacy to people with permanent residence rights.
- The plan follows Q Manivannan’s election on a temporary visa.
- Five countries would retain council candidacy rights under reciprocal arrangements.