By-election to replace former MPs set for next month

By-elections to replace former MPs Stephen Flynn. Stephen Gethins following their election to the Scottish Parliament will take place next month.

Flynn, the SNP's former Westminster leader. MP for Aberdeen South,became an MSP for Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardineearlier this month.

Gethins, who was previously the MP for Arbroath. Broughty Ferry, was elected as the SNPs new MSP for Dundee City East.

It has now been announced that by-elections to elect the new Westminster MPs will take place on Thursday 18 June. Nominations will open on Wednesday and close at 16:00 on Friday.

At the Holyrood election on 7 May. Flynn came in ahead of the Conservatives with a slim majority of 1,244 (3.6%).

Gethins was elected to the Dundee City East seat with 12,969 votes. beating Scottish Labour with a majority of 8,177 (30.8%).

Both had to step down from Westminster in order to take up their seas at Holyrood.