Exclusive:Alba threatens to call in police amid dispute with local office bearers
The pro-independence party previously announced it will wind up as it is no longer financially viable
The Alba Party has threatened to call in the police amid a dispute with a handful of local office bearers over the return of funds.
The pro-independence party, which was launched by Alex Salmond in 2021, previously announced it will wind up and will not field candidates in this year’s Holyrood election.
It comes after its leadership met with the Electoral Commission and were advised, given its financial position, that the party must either voluntarily de-register, or face statutory de-registration.
Some disgruntled members - including Mr Salmond’s niece, Christina Hendry, and former SNP MP Angus MacNeil - had called on leader Kenny MacAskill to resign if he was not willing to take Alba into the election.
Police are already investigating “irregularities” within Alba’s finances after a complaint was raised by its leadership.
Earlier this month, Mr MacAskill said the party was in a “dire financial plight”, adding: “Current liabilities far exceed both cash at hand and projected income.”
Referring to the latest development, he told The Scotsman: “Branches have not been threatened with police complaints. As Alba winds up treasurers and office bearers have been contacted and reminded of the constitutional and legal requirement to return funds to party HQ.
“That is necessary to allow the party to seek to meet its outstanding debts and obligations. The overwhelming majority of local campaign units have done so.
“There has been a handful of areas where that has not been done. That would appear to be by a few individual office bearers rather than the wider party membership.”
He added: “They have though been advised of the legality and constitutionality of their actions. They have also been advised that with the party requiring to mitigate its financial position and protect the interests of NEC [National Executive Committee] members facing potential personal liability, that those not doing so would face consequences.
“That is matters will require to be reported to Police Scotland for the misappropriation of funds. Also, that the Electoral Commission will be advised both with regard to our own party position and that of any other party or individual registering or seeking to do so and who it’s believed have taken the funds.”
It is understood the dispute involves four local branches out of around 40.
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