Election Office

Scottish Parliament and Local Government

Becoming a Scottish Parliament Candidate

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are chosen by voters to represent the interests of the people of Scotland.  Most MSPs are sponsored by a particular political party but you can also stand as an Independent candidate.  You may also stand as a local councillor.

MSPs usually divide their time between the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh and their local constituency or region.

The Scottish Parliament is able to pass laws on all devolved matters.  These include health, education, training, local government, social work, planning, housing and economic development. The Scottish Parliament makes decisions through debates and committees.

MSPs can:

• lodge a motion for debate in the Scottish Parliament
• speak in a debate
• introduce a bill to change the law
• propose an amendment  to a bill
• ask a question to the Scottish Executive

For more about what MSPs do, see www.scottish.parliament.uk

The basic salary for MSPs is £52,226.  On top of that, they get a series of allowances to employ research staff or pay office rental expenses.

For further information on becoming a Scottish Parliament candidate, see www.votescotland.com