FORMER SNP MP Angus MacNeil has joined Alba and could potentially stand as a candidate in the 2026 Holyrood election.
The former MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar was previously suspended and then expelled from the SNP last year.
Speaking to The Herald, he said he had joined Alba because he believed it was the best way of advancing Scottish independence.
MacNeil had voiced his criticisms of the SNP’s independence strategy and advocated for a “Plan B” approach which did not rely on seeking agreement from the UK Government for a referendum to be held.
He stood as an independent candidate in July’s General Election but lost to Labour’s Torcuil Crichton.
He said: “There are a lot of good people in the SNP, but they can’t achieve anything on independence when the clueless and disinterested hierarchy has thwarted debate for years and I certainly know about that.
“Even now independence is not in the motions at their upcoming National Council meeting.
“It is six years since the SNP hierarchy proclaimed it didn’t need a Plan B and then when the Plan A ran out they hadn’t a clue what to do.”
When asked if he would stand as a candidate at the next Holyrood election, MacNeil said that would be a decision for the membership but that “I might put myself forward if there were indications that people wanted me to do that”.
“If it helps to kick start independence I would do,” he said.
Acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill (above) also welcomed the news, saying he was delighted that MacNeil had joined the party.
He said: “We are very pleased that Angus is joining us. He was a long-serving comrade in the SNP and him coming across after Alex’s funeral will strengthen the movement.”
