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Kenny MacAskill succeeds Alex Salmond as Alba leader Kenny MacAskill succeeds Alex Salmond as Alba leader
(32 minutes later)
Kenny MacAskill served as acting leader following the death of Alba founder Alex SalmondKenny MacAskill served as acting leader following the death of Alba founder Alex Salmond
Kenny MacAskill has been announced as the new leader of the pro-independence Alba Party.Kenny MacAskill has been announced as the new leader of the pro-independence Alba Party.
The contest was held following the sudden death of party founder and former First Minister Alex Salmond.The contest was held following the sudden death of party founder and former First Minister Alex Salmond.
MacAskill, an ex-Alba MP, narrowly defeated Ash Regan, the party's sole MSP, in a two-way ballot for the role.MacAskill, an ex-Alba MP, narrowly defeated Ash Regan, the party's sole MSP, in a two-way ballot for the role.
He won 1331 votes (52.3%) to Regan's 1212 (47.7%).He won 1331 votes (52.3%) to Regan's 1212 (47.7%).
Former Alba MP Neale Hanvey was elected deputy leader with 78% of the vote, defeating ex-general secretary Chris McEleny.Former Alba MP Neale Hanvey was elected deputy leader with 78% of the vote, defeating ex-general secretary Chris McEleny.
Party infightingParty infighting
The results followed a fractious contest, including claims of bullying and harassment, the suspension of McEleny as general secretary and the resignation of other party officials.The results followed a fractious contest, including claims of bullying and harassment, the suspension of McEleny as general secretary and the resignation of other party officials.
MacAskill, a former SNP justice secretary, defected to Alba in 2021 while serving as MP for East Lothian. He lost his seat in last year's general election.MacAskill, a former SNP justice secretary, defected to Alba in 2021 while serving as MP for East Lothian. He lost his seat in last year's general election.
The new party leader said: "This was an election brought about by the tragic passing of our founder Alex Salmond.The new party leader said: "This was an election brought about by the tragic passing of our founder Alex Salmond.
"He will never be forgotten but the duty that now falls to me and all Alba Party members is to deliver his dream of independence.""He will never be forgotten but the duty that now falls to me and all Alba Party members is to deliver his dream of independence."
At the press conference announcing the results, McEleny criticised the new leadership and said he expected his membership would be rescinded.At the press conference announcing the results, McEleny criticised the new leadership and said he expected his membership would be rescinded.
Ash Regan is Alba's sole representative in the Scottish ParliamentAsh Regan is Alba's sole representative in the Scottish Parliament
Regan defected from the SNP in 2023 following a failed bid to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as party leader.Regan defected from the SNP in 2023 following a failed bid to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as party leader.
A year previously she had resigned as community safety minister over the government's plans to reform gender recognition laws.A year previously she had resigned as community safety minister over the government's plans to reform gender recognition laws.
The contest was triggered after Salmond died of a heart attack while attending a conference in North Macedonia in October.The contest was triggered after Salmond died of a heart attack while attending a conference in North Macedonia in October.
Both leadership candidates claimed the former first minister and SNP leader would have wanted them to succeed.Both leadership candidates claimed the former first minister and SNP leader would have wanted them to succeed.
Alex Salmond set up the Alba Party in the lead up to the 2021 Holyrood electionAlex Salmond set up the Alba Party in the lead up to the 2021 Holyrood election
The contest has been dogged by infighting. Last month, it emerged that McEleny had been suspended as general secretary after being accused of gross misconduct.The contest has been dogged by infighting. Last month, it emerged that McEleny had been suspended as general secretary after being accused of gross misconduct.
McEleny, a former SNP councillor, launched a separate complaint against MacAskill, though the party said there had not been any disciplinary investigation.McEleny, a former SNP councillor, launched a separate complaint against MacAskill, though the party said there had not been any disciplinary investigation.
In a statement released afterward the leadership announcement, McEleny said he was removed from his post in January.In a statement released afterward the leadership announcement, McEleny said he was removed from his post in January.
He accused the party of releasing "leaks and smears" against him and suggested he could take legal action to "ensure fairness and integrity are upheld".He accused the party of releasing "leaks and smears" against him and suggested he could take legal action to "ensure fairness and integrity are upheld".
MacAskill told reporters he was "unaware of any action being initiated against us".
Alba has been asked to comment.Alba has been asked to comment.
The party was set up by Salmond in the lead up to the 2021 Holyrood election. No Alba candidate has been elected at the ballot box.The party was set up by Salmond in the lead up to the 2021 Holyrood election. No Alba candidate has been elected at the ballot box.
At last year's general election, 19 Alba candidates won a combined 11,784 votes.At last year's general election, 19 Alba candidates won a combined 11,784 votes.
The party currently has two councillors. Both were originally elected as SNP candidates.The party currently has two councillors. Both were originally elected as SNP candidates.