First Minister John Swinney voiced concerns about then-Transport and Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn’s plan to attend the World Cup in the United States, primarily due to his absence from a critical by-election in Aberdeen South. The by-election was necessitated by Flynn’s resignation from his Westminster seat upon his election to Holyrood.
In May, Flynn requested approval to be absent from June 18 to June 27 to attend the World Cup. According to an email released following a Freedom of Information request, Swinney’s private office responded in early June, stating, “The First Minister has approved this visit on an exceptional basis although he is concerned Mr Flynn does not propose to be here on 18th June.” This exchange marks the first public indication of tension between the two senior figures in the Scottish National Party since Flynn’s transition to Holyrood in May.
Douglas Lumsden, the Scottish Conservative MP for Aberdeen South who won the June 18 by-election, commented on Flynn's absence. He stated, “Flynn was missing in action during a crucial by-election for the SNP. Everyone noticed his complete absence even before he left for the World Cup. This stinging message shows John Swinney noticed he’d dumped their campaign in Aberdeen – for a contest he himself caused.” Lumsden added, “The SNP’s disregard for the people of Aberdeen cost them the by-election. Flynn famously blamed the SNP leadership for it. I wonder what the First Minister thinks of him.”
Scottish Labour MSP Neil Bibby also weighed in, saying, “In public, the First Minister defended Stephen Flynn travelling to the World Cup, but behind the scenes it is clear he was raising concerns that he chose to go on a jolly to the US.”
When questioned about the email on Wednesday, Swinney responded, “I gave my consent for Stephen Flynn to go to the World Cup and that was the end of the matter.”
