Alba Party to Wind Down Due to Financial Crisis
The Alba Party leadership has announced plans to wind down the party as a result of a "dire financial plight." Kenny MacAskill, who assumed leadership following the death of party founder Alex Salmond in 2024, cited a significant loss in membership and a steep decline in income as key factors behind this decision.
MacAskill had previously indicated that Alba would likely not field candidates in the upcoming Holyrood election. He has recently alleged that the party's financial troubles stem from being defrauded. Since May of the previous year, Police Scotland has been investigating alleged "irregularities" in the party's finances.
The announcement comes amid internal tensions, with some members urging MacAskill to resign if he would not lead the party into the May election. Senior Alba figures met with the Electoral Commission, which advised that the party either voluntarily de-register or face statutory de-registration.
During a meeting on Sunday, the party's national executive committee resolved to proceed with voluntary winding down.
MacAskill addressed claims from a "self appointed" group purporting to continue the party, which asserted they had raised £20,000 for election campaigning. He countered that "not one penny" had been received by the party and that any funds raised would need to be allocated to existing debts.
"With the backdrop of membership continuing to hemorrhage (sic) and income plummet. In no small part due to the acrimony generated by those claiming to have the Party's best interests at heart though seemingly more intent on pursuing their own political ambitions.
Current liabilities far exceed both cash at hand and projected income."
MacAskill also cited a "campaign of disruption" and negative media coverage as contributing factors to the marked decline in membership and income.
Police Investigation and Internal Disputes
The police inquiry into Alba's finances followed a dispute between the party and its former general secretary, Chris McEleny. McEleny was dismissed last year on allegations of gross misconduct.
A source previously told BBC Scotland that McEleny was "completely content" that the party's finances under Salmond's leadership "were both sound and compliant."
