There are rules in place that affect sitting MSPs ahead of an election to ensure that parliamentary resources are not misused and people are not misled.

Often, people can find the rules confusing or frustrating, and I have opted to provide a roundup of these restrictions below, to ensure transparency and allow my team to refer constituents quickly to the reason behind any changes.

6th January onwards

As of 6th January, MSPs must not use parliamentary resources to promote themselves, other than sharing their contact details and surgery locations.

This means that many of the communications I send out regularly, including my annual report, letters about issues, and advertising on social media sharing my parliamentary work, had to go out before this date.

26th March onwards

The campaign period begins on Thursday 26th of March.  Parliament then enters a recess period, and dissolves on the 9th of April.

From the 26th of March, more restrictions are put in place:

  • I must not refer to myself as an MSP.  References such as “Emma Roddick MSP” will be removed from my website and social media platforms and all effort will be made to ensure these changes take effect by the 26th of March.
  • I am prohibited from taking on any new casework.  My team will be provided with a reference list of alternative political representatives and sources of support to offer people in the Highlands and Islands who are reaching out for help.
    • I cannot hold surgeries after 25th March
    • If I am not returned, existing casework must be wrapped up after the election.  My team will enter a wrapping-up period, during which they can support people to have their cases passed to someone new.
  • I will not have access to the parliamentary estate.  Physical mail will be redirected and the office phone will be answered virtually by staff at home.
  • I will not have opportunities to ask or lodge parliamentary questions.  There are no oral question sessions in the campaign period, and the final date for written questions to be lodged is 12th March, as these must be due for answer by Wednesday 25th.
  • I cannot lodge, or add my support to, parliamentary motions.  I must lodge these by 25th March at the latest.
    • It is worth noting that other MSPs may not get the opportunity to add their support if they are lodged that late, just as I may be unable to add my support to late motions from colleagues.
  • I can no longer advertise using parliamentary resources, including my office contact details.

 

FAQs

Why do you have this rule if other MSPs don’t?

I always do everything I can to comply with these restrictions, as there are very good reasons for their existence. Unfortunately, things do fall through the cracks, and you might find examples where something is still happening elsewhere that shouldn’t.  While I understand how this could be frustrating to you and look like I am subject to restrictions others are not, it may be that there has been a mistake made on their end or a lag in changes taking effect.  The rules apply to everyone equally.

What if I need support during the campaign period?

My team can provide signposting to other elected representatives or support services during this period.  I am not an MSP after 26th March, and cannot help you as one.

Why am I still getting adverts from you?

The restrictions described apply to parliamentary resources.  All my advertising during the campaign period will be published with a note confirming that this has been promoted by me or my Election Agent, along with a party address for correspondence.  This confirms who is responsible for the material, and indicates that it is being funded through the party or funds raised for the election campaign, or by me personally.  This will appear along with all other election spending on my spending return later in the year.

Why are you still called an MSP in other places?

I cannot control what others choose to publish, but I will make every effort to ensure that I am not referred to as an MSP on any of my own platforms over the campaign period.  Not every media outlet or third-party campaigner will be aware of the rules, but I will not refer to myself as an MSP while I am not in the role.

What if I think you have broken these rules?

Please reach out if you believe I am not complying with the rules and I will do what I can to address it.  If you are not satisfied, you can complain to the Electoral Commission and/or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, who can decide whether to take action.