Scottish Parliament Election: 7 May 2026, guidance for the Scottish Government, its agencies and National Devolved Public Bodies

Chapter 4: Special Advisers

4.1 The Code of Conduct for Special Advisers notes that with the approval of the First Minister, a Special Adviser may be publicly identified as a candidate or prospective candidate for the Scottish Parliament.

4.2 Special Advisers who become Scottish Parliamentary candidates must carry out this new role in their own time, outside office hours, or work part-time for the Scottish Government. Special Advisers must not use official resources for party-political purposes. They must refrain from any involvement in matters concerning their prospective constituency.

4.3 Special advisers who become Scottish Parliamentary Candidates must resign as a Special Adviser at the start of the campaign period ahead of the election (i.e. on 26 March 2026).

4.4 Special Advisers who remain in post may continue to advise Ministers on Scottish Government policy, but must take particular care not to take any active part in the campaign. Officials should continue to engage with any Special Advisers who remain in post during the election period in the normal way.

Further Information

4.5 For further advice, please contact the Propriety and Ethics Team at pandeteam@gov.scot.