by Democrat reporter
ALBA Party leader Kenny MacAskill has contacted all members to say that an “immediate crisis” means the party has been unable to register with the Electoral Commission in time for the election.
He has also questioned the “viability” of the party going forward, and said the decision has been a “bitter blow” for activists.
Mr MacAskill pledged to provide further information in the coming days.
In an email shown to The [Glasgow] Herald, he wrote: “I have to advise that it looks likely that we will not be able to register and therefore unable even to contest the election.
“That brings also into question the viability of a party which neither has financial resources nor the ability to contest elections.
“I know this will come as a bitter blow to you.”
Mr MacAskill, who took over as leader from Mr Salmond, had previously said Alba was facing “very difficult” financial straits, amidst a police probe into alleged fraud.
He wrote: “Financial irregularities have come to light since the dismissal of the General Secretary for gross misconduct.
“These have been reported to the Police and an investigation which we are assisting and fully cooperating with is ongoing.
“Matters are with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and I expect matters to progress further shortly.”
He added: “I can assure you of integrity of current staff and elected office bearers but neither that nor justice being done addresses the perilous financial position which we find ourselves in as a result.”
Mr MacAskill said that the financial position “remains acute.”
The email goes on: “We have been in touch with the Electoral Commission who have shown great forbearance in the late lodging of audited accounts.
“But we face a financial situation where we simply cannot provide the further accounts which they require, along with meeting staff wages and covering other costs which we are either tied into or are required to meet.
“In these circumstances fighting an election is simply beyond our resources.”
The decision has been criticised by some within the party, with Alba Youth co-convenor Christina Hendry, the niece of Alex Salmond, speaking of her frustration that the move was not made by the Alba membership.
Ms Hendry had been vying to stand in first place in the North East regional list, but this position was taken by Kenny MacAskill.
In a statement to members, she said: “I am frustrated by the announcement made by the party leadership today. The decision to de-register the party should not rest with a handful of members in the leadership team, some of whom have no electoral mandate. It belongs to you, the entire ALBA Party membership.
She added: “ALBA Party has a positive argument to put to the Scottish people in this election, one that is resonating with the grassroots of the independence movement. With ALBA standing on the Regional List, independence is on the ballot.
“This party belongs to the members, and it is up to the members to take it forward. I, along with any other party members who want to work together, will ensure the party continues and the dream of independence never dies.”
The withdrawal from the election is the latest blow to affect Alba, which has struggled to become a force in Scottish politics.
Last month, party chair Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh temporarily stepped down from her role, also citing “personal reasons”.
The longtime Salmond ally was in North Macedonia with the politician when he died in October 2024.
Another key confidante of the late First Minister, Chris McEleny, was expelled from the party in May 2025.
Last autumn, McEleny threatened legal action against Alba, urging party leadership to “cease and desist further smears” amid a row over party finances.
She had stood to be leader of the party, but was beaten by MacAskill.
Meanwhile, there was turmoil too in the Scottish Labour Party.
A former SNP and Alba member has been named top of the Lothian list for Labour in the upcoming Holyrood election, ahead of two current MSPs.
Anas Sarwar’s party has released its rankings for the regional list vote in advance of May’s ballot, with some selections raising eyebrows.
The additional member system used for Scottish Parliament elections sees 73 MSPs elected on a first past the post basis at the constituency level.
For example, Mr Sarwar ran against Nicola Sturgeon in the Glasgow Southside constituency in 2021 and was defeated but the Scottish Labour leader was elected as an additional member having been named top of the Glasgow list.
With the SNP expected to dominate in the constituency vote, a high ranking on the list could be crucial for opposition MSPs getting to Holyrood.
In 2021 Labour got only two list MSPs from the Lothian region, meaning one of the two could miss out.
Monica Lennon, who stood against Mr Sarwar in the 2021 leadership election and has had several frontbench roles is also facing a struggle to return to Holyrood.
She has been named behind the leader, Pauline McNeill, and Paul Sweeney in Glasgow, both pictured below.
