Alba Party will continue its political journey even after the passing of its founder, Alex Salmond, as confirmed by Kenny MacAskill, the party’s acting leader. MacAskill reassured members that the vision cherished by Salmond will persist, stating that “the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die.” Salmond tragically succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 69 while attending a political conference in North Macedonia.
Having shared a lifelong friendship with the former first minister and served as a Cabinet minister in his administrations at Holyrood, MacAskill made the decision to leave the SNP and join Alba when it was established in 2021. Despite facing challenges at elections, MacAskill affirmed today, “Of course, the party continues, we owe it to Alex.” Emphasizing that Alba is not just about Salmond, MacAskill highlighted that the party comprises thousands of individuals, and Salmond’s legacy will endure through them.
Salmond’s recent legal battle with the government he once led resulted in a significant court victory, with over £500,000 awarded to him due to bias found in the investigation into harassment allegations against him. In a move that could potentially continue, MacAskill expressed his support for Salmond’s family should they decide to pursue further legal action. MacAskill articulated, “My own position is that I will respect whatever the family decide, but I would certainly hope and I believe that they are likely to continue this, because that court case will expose, I believe, malfeasance amongst individuals and institutions that really has to be brought out to allow history to properly remember Alex Salmond.”
The determination to carry on Salmond’s work remains strong within the Alba Party following his untimely demise, affirming a commitment to upholding the values and movement that he initiated.