Alba Party 'unlikely' to stand in Scottish Parliament election
BBC World
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Alba Party, a pro-independence political group in Scotland, is facing significant challenges as its leader Kenny MacAskill has revealed that the party is unlikely to contest the upcoming Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) election due to severe financial difficulties. In an email to members, MacAskill described the party's situation as "perilous," stating it is unable to meet the financial requirements to register for the elections. He emphasized that without sufficient funds to cover staff wages and necessary accounts, contesting the election is beyond their current resources.
Founded in 2018 by former SNP leader Alex Salmond, Alba initially aimed to secure a "supermajority for independence" at Holyrood but failed to win any seats in the 2021 elections, securing only 1.7% of the regional vote. The party has faced internal turmoil since Salmond's death in 2024, including leadership disputes and conflicts with former officials like Chris McEleny, who was dismissed after allegations of misconduct. Despite these challenges, some members remain committed to reviving the party's fortunes, with Christina Hendry, Salmond's niece, vowing to continue the fight for independence.
MacAskill acknowledged the Electoral Commission's flexibility in allowing Alba to submit late audited accounts but highlighted the ongoing financial strain as a critical barrier. He noted that the party must formally re-register by the end of next month, an outcome now looking increasingly unlikely. This decision has sparked frustration among some members, particularly Hendry, who believes the future of the party should be decided collectively by its membership rather than leadership.
The Alba Party's struggles underscore broader challenges faced by new political movements, particularly in funding and maintaining viability amidst internal divisions. As Scotland grapples with questions about its constitutional future, the party's withdrawal from the election stage could impact efforts to advance the pro-independence agenda, leaving a significant question mark over its long-term viability.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026