They Stayed Silent.
We Put It in Writing.

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Alba Continuation Group Welcomes MacAskill Engagement as Members Raise £25,000 in 48 Hours Hopes for Scottish independence in the next Parliament through the election of Alba MSPs on the list have been strengthened following constructive engagement with Kenny MacAskill after recent correspondence. The dialogue marks meaningful progress toward a clear, democratic and constitutional way forward for Alba. Support for Alba’s continuation has also been demonstrated practically by members and supporters, who have raised £25,000 in just 48 hours to ensure the party’s democratic structures and voice can continue to operate effectively. In his latest communication, Mr MacAskill acknowledges that a full indemnity has now been offered, removing any financial risk from the current Alba leadership. He also sets out a number of constitutional and financial questions requiring clarification. These questions are legitimate and reflect the seriousness of the responsibilities involved. They provide not an obstacle, but a structured and democratic route to resolving outstanding matters transparently and credibly. Commenting, Angus Brendan MacNeil said: “Keir Starmer might deny the Scottish people a referendum on Scotland’s future but a vote on Alba’s future must be given to the Alba membership. “I am pleased with Kenny MacAskill’s positive response in looking for a democratic path given his, and his colleagues, liabilities are removed if the transition happens. Central to this pathway is democratic legitimacy. Any transfer of responsible officer roles, as defined by the Electoral Commission, must command the confidence of members. That legitimacy can be secured straightforwardly through an online ballot of members organised efficiently and transparently. Such a ballot would provide a clear democratic mandate from the membership, ensuring that any organisational changes rest on firm constitutional foundations. “It must also be recognised that there is no constitutional or democratic legitimacy for the deregistration of Alba without the explicit consent of its members. A political party ultimately belongs to its members, not to a small group of office holders and I feel Mr MacAskill’s is looking to respect that principle. “Also the response from members and supporters, raising £25,000 in just 48 hours, demonstrates clearly that there remains strong commitment to Alba’s role within Scotland’s independence movement. “This moment represents a crossroads. By choosing a democratic, member-led route, Alba can rebuild confidence, strengthen credibility and position itself to stand at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election — a vital step in Scotland’s independence journey. “With unity, transparency and democratic endorsement from members, Alba can enter the next Parliament as a principled advocate for Scotland’s constitutional future.” ENDS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4th March 2026 - ALBA Continuation Group Yields to MacAskill’s Unconditional Indemnity Demand The ALBA Continuation Group today set out a confident and forward looking proposal aimed at securing the party’s future and maximising its impact in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election. The group—made up of Angus Brendan MacNeil, Tommy Sheridan, Christina Hendry and Suzanne Blackley, all elected with substantial support from party members—has confirmed its willingness to offer an unconditional indemnity to facilitate an orderly and dignified transition in the party’s leadership. This offer is made in good faith and with a clear focus on stability, unity and progress. Commenting Angus Brendan MacNeil said, “The proposed indemnity is designed to provide reassurance and a respectful off ramp for the current leadership, allowing all sides to move forward constructively and without unnecessary conflict. It creates the space for ALBA to reset, refocus and direct its full energies toward the election campaign and the wider cause of independence. “Central to the group’s vision is a strong, disciplined campaign for MSP list seats. The Continuation Group believes there is a clear opportunity for ALBA to secure representation by attracting list votes that would otherwise be wasted. In doing so, ALBA can win seats primarily at the expense of Reform, while causing no loss to the SNP, which is not expected to gain list seats under the current electoral dynamics. “To enable this transition to proceed smoothly, the group has requested a clear account of the party’s outstanding debts and liabilities. This will allow for responsible prioritisation and the launch of a targeted fundraising effort. Encouraging commitments of significant financial support have already been received, giving confidence that these obligations can be addressed swiftly and effectively. We believe that the current problems are surmountable. “Looking ahead, the Continuation Group has emphasised its intention to place members at the heart of the party’s next phase. Upon assuming leadership, it would move quickly to engage the membership directly, seeking endorsement for the campaign strategy and interim leadership arrangements so that ALBA advances with a clear and democratic mandate.” ENDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2nd March 2026 VoteAlba.org raises £15k in 4 hours - Plea to MacAskill & Co “Engage in Dialogue to Secure Alba’s Future” The Alba Continuity Group today makes an urgent plea to Kenny MacAskill, Neale Hanvey and Corri Wilson, the leadership of the Alba Party, to choose allowing Alba candidates to stand at election rather than leaving the field free for Reform. This comes as the group has raised £15,000 in pledges in 4 hours to save Alba and fight the election. Alba, the dream of Alex Salmond, could pick up seats at the Holyrood Election if it is allowed to continue existing. Speaking on behalf of the group, Angus Brendan MacNeil said: “We have momentum and money coming in at a far better than expected rate, so we are making a heartfelt plea for the leadership not to end the party at a critical moment in Scotland’s journey toward independence. All the issues we are aware of that Alba faces are minor in the grand scheme of things and can be resolved with funding, which we are already raising successfully. “If the current course continues, there will be no Alba candidates at the forthcoming election. That outcome would materially benefit Reform. Pro-independence list votes cast with the SNP will return no additional MSPs from the 56 regional list seats, whereas if Alba stands, it has the potential to secure up to 18 MSP’s and significantly limit Reform’s gains. “It is understandable that Kenny MacAskill has had enough, politicians often step down from leadership but that usually does not mean destroying a political party at the same time, as Alba is facing. “Therefore, we ask Mr MacAskill to pause, reflect, and enter into mediation with the Alba Continuity Group. Mediation offers a constructive route forward, one that avoids irreversible harm and allows the party to stabilise, regroup, and renew. “If we know the full financial position and liabilities – something that has been kept from us – it would be easier to move on and ensure Alba stands at the election to the benefit of independence. Despite recent turbulence, there are goods grounds for optimism. We launched VoteAlba.org this morning at 7am to demonstrate the appetite amongst members and supporters to save the party, and in just four hours have already received pledges in excess of £15,000. “We therefore urge Kenny MacAskill, Neale Hanvey and Corri Wilson, to act as a stewards of Alba’s future: to mediate, to disclose, to enable fundraising and steps toward Scotland’s independence. Alba can be saved and emerge stronger. We just hope the current leader finds a way to engage with us, as we raise funds to stand candidates for election as MSPs rather than effectively end the party.” ENDS

Kenny MacAskill wrote to Alba Party members on 27 February 2026. Several claims in that email are demonstrably false. We set the record straight. On the indemnity: A full legal indemnity was submitted on 26 February 2026. We asked in writing that any deficiencies be communicated immediately. No specific objections were received. We publish the document in full on our website. On constitutional legitimacy: Three of our four signatories are serving NEC members. Suzanne Blackley is the National Equalities Convenor – a constitutionally defined National Office Bearer. We have more constitutional standing than those attempting to dissolve the party without a vote. On data access: No member of the Alba Continuation Group unlawfully accessed party data. We will cooperate fully with any investigation. On finances: An independent auditor confirmed Alba was a going concern with a surplus in 2024. We call on the current leadership to publish the full audited accounts immediately. The full rebuttal with supporting documents is available at votealba.org/facts

The Alba Continuation Group provides the following update. A formal constitutional challenge has been filed. Legal proceedings are underway. The current leadership has still not initiated a membership ballot. No substantive response to our legal indemnity has been received. We note that the Director of Operations has emailed LACU treasurers attempting to claw back local funds. We regard this as an attempt to prevent local associations from supporting candidates in the May election. We further note that Kenny MacAskill has emailed members with a statement containing several claims that are demonstrably false. We have published a full point-by-point rebuttal on our website. The fight continues. The membership will be heard.

The Alba Continuation Group reiterates its demand for an immediate membership ballot. We have submitted a full legal indemnity. We have set out our constitutional authority. We have made clear that we are prepared to take on all responsibilities. The current leadership has offered no substantive reason for refusing a ballot. The membership deserves better than silence and delay. A ballot can be live within two hours. Every hour that passes without one is a deliberate choice to deny members their voice. We call on all Alba members to make their voices heard. Sign the declaration at votealba.org. Tell the leadership: let the members decide.

At noon today we set a deadline for the current leadership to initiate a membership ballot on whether Alba Party should contest the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May 2026. That deadline has passed. No ballot has been initiated. No substantive response has been received. We are now escalating our actions. Legal proceedings are being prepared. We will use every constitutional and legal mechanism available to us to secure the democratic rights of 4,000 Alba members. The question is simple. The mechanism is straightforward. The only obstacle is the refusal of a small number of individuals to let the membership decide. We will not be deterred.

The Alba Continuation Group has obtained independent legal advice confirming its constitutional position. Three of our four signatories are serving NEC members. Suzanne Blackley is the National Equalities Convenor – a constitutionally defined National Office Bearer of the Alba Party. The Alba Party constitution, adopted at National Conference in March 2025, contains no provision allowing the NEC to dissolve or de-register the party without a membership vote. We are calling on the current leadership to permit an immediate membership ballot. This can be operational within two hours if staff are given access to party systems. Every hour of delay is a deliberate choice to deny members their democratic rights.

The Alba Continuation Group has been formed by serving NEC members of the Alba Party to fight for the democratic right of 4,000 members to decide whether their party contests the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May 2026. We are calling for an immediate membership ballot on one simple question: should Alba Party contest the regional list ballot in May 2026? Our signatories are Angus B MacNeil (Ordinary NEC Member), Tommy Sheridan (Ordinary NEC Member), Christina Hendry (Ordinary NEC Member), and Suzanne Blackley (National Equalities Convenor). We have submitted a full legal indemnity to the current leadership and are prepared to take on all responsibilities associated with contesting the election. The membership must decide. Not a handful of office-holders. The membership.