Senior Alba members offer to help party contest Scottish election

A group of senior Alba figures has offered to step in to help the party contest the Scottish election amid financial problems and a live police inquiry into alleged irregularities; party leaders say there are outstanding fiscal, regulatory and administrative hurdles to clear before May.

Senior Alba figures have offered to take on responsibility for getting the party into the Scottish election as it faces mounting financial and administrative difficulties. The Alba Party was launched by Alex Salmond in 2021 with the aim of uniting the independence movement, but it has not achieved an electoral breakthrough and is now reported to be at risk of failing to field candidates in May. There is a live police investigation into claims of irregularities, and party insiders say there is no clear agreement on how to proceed. Key details: - The group offering to step in includes several well-known Alba figures and is completed by Suzanne Blackley, the party's national equalities convener. - Reports say Kenny MacAskill does not appear willing to yield the leadership unless the group presents a credible plan that can meet the party's fiscal obligations. - A formal leadership transition would be required, and even a low-cost contest is likely beyond the party's current finances. - Practical steps still outstanding include having accounts signed off, resolving matters with the Electoral Commission, and raising deposits for candidates. - Angus MacNeil is reported as optimistic that members can rally and that he and others could be campaigning under the Alba banner in May. - Observers say there is limited time to complete these actions ahead of the election. Summary: The offers from senior members aim to enable Alba to contest the Scottish election, but the party faces unresolved financial, regulatory and administrative hurdles alongside an active police inquiry. Undetermined at this time.