Swinney supports election candidacy rules for people with limited leave to remain

Politics · First reported 3 Nov, 18:02 · Updated 18:49

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center / Jonny Kim · Public domain

John Swinney said he supports rules allowing some foreign nationals without permanent UK permission to stand in Scottish elections. The rules have drawn criticism from a Holyrood committee, while a bill is being considered to address an exclusion affecting Commonwealth citizens.

Swinney said he agrees with the current rules allowing foreign nationals in certain circumstances to stand in Scottish elections.
The Standards Committee urged reconsideration, citing potential risks to public trust; the Greens argued that people with limited leave to remain should be able to stand.
A bill is intended to remedy an error that excluded Commonwealth citizens from an extension of candidacy rights.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Swinney’s position: He said he agreed with the current rules.
Prior vote: MSPs voted unanimously in 2024 to extend candidacy rights for foreign nationals.
Committee position: The Standards Committee called for reconsideration of rights for people with limited leave to remain.
Bill’s stated purpose: To remedy the exclusion of Commonwealth citizens from the extension of candidacy rights.