diff --git a/spyder/plugins/vcs/plugin.py b/spyder/plugins/vcs/plugin.py
index c99671e8ad8..ae6c9e2ea2b 100644
--- a/spyder/plugins/vcs/plugin.py
+++ b/spyder/plugins/vcs/plugin.py
@@ -347,18 +347,3 @@ def _create_actions(self):
             shortcut_context=self.NAME,
             triggered=lambda: None,
         )
-
-    # workarounds when imported as 3rd party plugin
-    register_plugin = register
-
-    DESCRIPTION = get_description(None)
-
-    @property
-    def dockwidget(self):
-        dockwidget = self.get_widget().dockwidget
-        if dockwidget is None:
-            self.is_compatible, _ = self.check_compatibility()
-            self.get_main().add_dockwidget(self)
-            dockwidget = self.get_widget().dockwidget
-
-        return dockwidget
diff --git a/spyder/plugins/vcs/widgets/common.py b/spyder/plugins/vcs/widgets/common.py
index 35efd0308c1..3966349f505 100644
--- a/spyder/plugins/vcs/widgets/common.py
+++ b/spyder/plugins/vcs/widgets/common.py
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ def refresh(self) -> None:
         """Clear and re-add branches."""
         def _task():
             """Task executed in another thread."""
+            branches = []
             if manager.type.branch.fget.enabled:
                 current_branch = manager.branch
             else:
@@ -86,17 +87,18 @@ def _task():
 
             if manager.type.editable_branches.fget.enabled:
                 try:
-                    self._branches.extend(manager.editable_branches)
+                    branches.extend(manager.editable_branches)
                 except VCSPropertyError:
                     # Suppress editable_branches fail
                     pass
             elif current_branch is not None:
-                self._branches.append(manager.branch)
-            return current_branch
+                branches.append(manager.branch)
+            return (current_branch, branches)
 
         @Slot(object)
-        def _handle_result(current_branch):
-            if self._branches:
+        def _handle_result(result):
+            if any(result):
+                current_branch, self._branches = result
                 # Block signals to reduce useless signal emissions
                 oldstate = self.blockSignals(True)