Alba party to wind up and not contest Scottish election

"Current liabilities far exceed both cash at hand and projected income. I wish to place on record my grateful thanks to the membership for their efforts for our party and for our cause. It has been a privilege to work with them. We can be proud of what we sought to achieve and also the support which we gave to our founder in his time of need."

"Alba could have provided a much-needed alternative in the Scottish parliament in that it was the only pro-independence party that was pro-oil and gas, as well as being the only pro-independence party that was opposed to the discredited gender self-ID ideology."

The Alba party, a pro-independence party founded in 2021 by Alex Salmond, has announced it will cease operations and not contest the 2026 Scottish parliament election. The party faced severe financial difficulties and declining membership, prompting Police Scotland to investigate alleged financial irregularities since May. The Electoral Commission advised Alba to either voluntarily de-register or face statutory de-registration. Leader Kenny MacAskill, who defected from the Scottish National Party, stated that current liabilities far exceed available cash and projected income. MacAskill expressed gratitude to members for their efforts supporting the party and its founder. Some party members had previously called for MacAskill's resignation if unwilling to contest elections. Former general secretary Chris McEleny acknowledged the decision while noting Alba's unique positions on oil and gas and opposition to gender self-identification policies.

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