Kenny MacAskill is to run for the leadership of Alba with the backing of founder Alex Salmond’s widow, the Sunday Mail can reveal.
It means a contest in now likely as MSP Ash Regan, who defected from the SNP and is the party’s only parliamentarian – is running for the top job.
Moira Salmond, who rarely speaks publicly, said: “Kenny was not just Alex’s political ally, but his friend. Growing up and going to school together. they were together firstly building the SNP and then in forming Alba.
“I know who Alex trusted and who he’d want to continue to lead the party he established. He has my support and endorsement as he seeks to deliver Alex’s dream of Scottish independence.”
Former First Minister Alex Salmond formed Alba in 2021 in the wake of his bitter feud with Nicola Sturgeon. MacAskill – then a sitting MP – defected soon after and is currently the acting leader.
Regan left the SNP in 2023 in protest at the party’s gender policies .
Salmond died suddenly aged 69 in October from a heart attack leaving a party which polls suggest could win seats in next year’s Holyrood election.
MacAskill said: “This is not a position I ever sought and it comes about through a tragedy I wish had never happened. But it essential to maintain Alex’s legacy and deliver his dream of Scottish independence.”
And in an apparent dig at Regan’s recent courting of Elon Musk, he added: “We can’t allow a drift to the right or pursue a populist agenda pushed by wealthy oligarchs.
“Campaigns in support of Grangemouth Refinery and against the absurdity of an Energy Rich land having half its people in fuel poverty, were led by me. I intend to continue that radical direction in defence of Scotland’s industrial base and ensure it benefits from the natural bounty it has with renewable energy.
“We cannot allow this second golden opportunity to pass us by, as we’ve seen with oil and gas.
“The race is now on for Holyrood 2026 and with a referendum refused by Westminster that election must be used to drive our cause forward.
The leadership contest is expected to take place in coming weeks.
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