The Alba party has announced it will call it quits and not field any candidates for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
The pro-independence party was formed in 2021 by the late Alex Salmond as a “new political force”, but has been suffering from a sharp decline in membership and a financial crisis.
Police Scotland have been investigating alleged “irregularities” in the party’s finances since May.
Kenny MacAskill, who defected from the Scottish National Party and succeeded Salmond as Alba leader, said the decision made by the party’s ruling national executive committee on Sunday had been made “with considerable regret”.
The Electoral Commission informed the party that, given its financial situation, it should voluntarily deregister or face legal deregistration.
MacAskill said on Sunday: “Current liabilities far exceed both cash on hand and projected revenue.
“I wish to place on record my gratitude to the members 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 seek to achieve and also the support we provided to our founder in his time of need.
“The dream will never die, parties like individuals are mortal, but our cause is eternal.”
Last month, members of the “Alba continuation group” had called on MacAskill to resign if he was not willing to take the party to the Scottish Parliament election.
Chris McEleny, the party’s former general secretary and Salmond ally, said on Sunday: “Many will be furious at Kenny MacAskill’s decision to liquidate the Alba party, but I would advise caution over any public attacks on him.
“Alba could have provided a much-needed alternative in the Scottish parliament as it was the only pro-oil and gas pro-independence party, as well as being the only pro-independence party opposed to the discredited ideology of gender self-identification.”
