In the Shadows of Might – SNP Rival Alba and their History
Founded over 2 years ago: Alba has garnered two MPs through defections from the SNP, created a footing in Holyrood (Scotland’s parliament) through Ash Regan (former SNP leader candidate) and is led by high-profile Alex Salmond former First Minister, former leader of the SNP and leader of the Yes campaign in 2014.
In 2021 sexual harassment claims were levied against Mr Salmond, with his former mentee Nicola Sturgeon dropping him and tarnishing his image in doing so. In spite of his former party and mentee turning their backs on him he alongside Laurie Flynn founded the new pro-independence party Alba, this was based upon a poll conducted in 2020 conveying that 40% of those who voted for the SNP in 2019 would vote for a pro-independence party led by Alex Salmond. This is why Alba was founded, with the belief that a new major political force could enter the Scottish political scene. Luckily enough for Alba 2021 was an election year (to the Scottish parliament: Holyrood).
The party aimed to elect MSPs (members of the Scottish parliament) through the regional vote list rather than the first past the post constituencies, urging voters to support the SNP in the constituencies but vote for Alba in the regional vote list. This to gain a super-majority for independence in Holyrood, with Alex Salmond stating that 90 out of Holyrood’s 129 seats could end up in pro-independence hands if voters followed Alba’s recommendation. Alba’s goal for the election (except winning) was to field 4 candidates in each region, these candidates included but were not limited to Alex Salmond, Eva Comrie former SNP candidate, Caroline McAllister former SNP deputy leader for West Dunbartonshire council, the political party Action for Independence dropped out of the election to support Alba with many of its candidates becoming Alba candidates and George Kerevan former SNP MP. Despite this Alba remained low in the polls around 3% throughout the entirety of its campaign, showing that the 40% figure must have been wildly exaggerated or circumstances must have changed drastically (the sexual harassment scandal and distancing act Mrs Sturgeon made against Mr Salmond). This all came to a head on election day seeing Alba win nothing, the party managed to muster up around 44,000 votes or 1.7% of the regional vote, however, failed to win any seats due to the d’Hondt method used in the election. This was a disappointing result for Alba, to say the least.
Alba managed to gain representation in the House of Commons due to MPs defecting, 2 MPs in total. This was huge for the party, rarely do new parties gain an MP never mind 2.
Fast forward to 2022, Alba is campaigning in the local elections fielding 111 candidates in total, however, once again failing to secure any seats, this time only winning 0.7% of the vote. This result worsened by Kameran Butt the Alba candidate that garnered most support defecting to the SNP. Kameran Butt stated that the SNP was the only path towards independence. Mr Salmond commented on the results calling them deeply disappointing and that his party had a long way to go before winning the electorate.
After this nothing happens, no elections, no huge media attention or debates with Alex Salmond. Until Ash Regan, the third most popular SNP leadership candidate of 2023 defected to Alba, becoming the first-ever MSP for the party. Considering Ash Regan received 5 000 votes in the SNP leadership election she could be a vote magnet in upcoming elections. Giving the party hope that they might win influence in future elections. Furthermore, Alba has managed to climb the polls up to 3%, reaching 5% in some polls, meaning they could stand a chance in the upcoming election (the 2024 UK general election and 2026 Scottish parliament election).
Alba is likely to gain from the SNP fall and Ash Regan’s defection to the party. Mr Salmond standing a real chance at becoming a political force in Scotland, which could help the independence cause if the SNP were open to being in a coalition. However, the SNP (under Nicola Sturgeon) made clear that there would be no partnership between the parties and questioned Mr Salmond’s integrity. Alba’s future is uncertain, however, it is looking brighter in current circumstances.
