Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader, has backtracked on his controversial bid to stand as an MSP while remaining an MP.

The Aberdeen South representative in the House of Commons earlier this month announced he seek to occupy the dual role but would not accept two salaries.

The announcement sparked fiery backlash from a number of angles, including from within his own party.

But now, Flynn has taken on board the criticism and responded, the BBC reports, acknowledging that while it was "for the right reasons", the move had been a mistake.

He said: "Hands up, I've got this one wrong.

“My aim to save the public purse from unnecessary strain by potentially overlapping the role of an MP and an MSP for a short period until the next general Election was genuine in its intent.

“Alongside all SNP members, I now look forward to assessing the new candidate selection rules that my party will put in place.”

Rachael Hamilton, the Scottish Conservative's deputy leader, did not hold back in her reaction to the news, branding it a "humiliating U-turn".

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