The Alba party, a pro-independence political group founded by Alex Salmond in 2021, has announced that it will cease operations and will not contest the upcoming 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
The decision follows a period of membership decline and a serious financial crisis, leaving the party unable to sustain its political activities.
Leadership Announcement
Kenny MacAskill, who took over as Alba leader after defecting from the Scottish National Party and succeeding Salmond, confirmed the party’s decision.
He said the ruling national executive committee had made the decision “with considerable regret,” acknowledging the disappointment among supporters and members.
Financial and Legal Challenges
Since May, Police Scotland has been investigating alleged financial irregularities within the party.
Combined with falling membership, these challenges contributed to Alba’s inability to continue as a political force. Sources close to the party describe the past few years as a period of turbulence, which ultimately made contesting the 2026 election unfeasible.
Alba’s Political History
Founded in 2021 by former First Minister Alex Salmond, Alba was envisioned as a “new political force” to champion Scottish independence.
The party hoped to challenge established pro-independence parties and influence Scotland’s political landscape. Despite initial enthusiasm, internal issues, declining support, and legal scrutiny hindered Alba’s growth.
Implications for Scottish Politics
Alba’s exit from the political arena could consolidate support for other pro-independence parties, particularly the Scottish National Party, ahead of the 2026 elections.
Political analysts suggest that Alba’s absence may reduce fragmentation of the pro-independence vote, potentially strengthening the position of remaining parties.
Looking Forward
The decision to wind up marks the end of Alba as an active political party. Former leaders and members may now focus on supporting other pro-independence initiatives or seek alternative political roles.
For supporters of the party, the closure represents both the end of a political experiment and a moment to reflect on the challenges of sustaining a new party in Scotland’s competitive political environment.
