MSPs agree in principle to move 2020 Holyrood elections to avoid clash with Westminster

MSPs have agreed in principle to legislation that would prevent elections at Westminster and Holyrood from clashing in 2020.

The next UK general election will take place on 7 May 2020 – the same day as the elections at the Scottish Parliament. However, MSPs have agreed to move the Scottish elections to 6 May 2021.

Council elections in Scotland will also be moved, to 5 May 2022.

Members of the Scottish Parliament will require to prevent any such clash occurring in the future.

Parliamentary Business Minister Joe Fitzpatrick said: “This short bill presents a straightforward and pragmatic solution to the issue of a clash of election dates.”

Westminster has granted MSPs the power to make the change but further devolution will see this power vest in the Scottish Parliament in the future.