Alex Salmond can rejoin SNP within weeks as new indy party is launched
After two years of self-imposed exile from the SNP, Alex Salmond could apply to rejoin the party within weeks as a new pro-independence party prepares to launch.
The former First Minister resigned from the party in August 2018 amid allegations of sexual misconduct but vowed to apply to rejoin once he had an opportunity to clear his name.
Mr Salmond was cleared in March of sexually assaulting nine women after a twoweek trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Now, under party rules the politician, whose conduct towards women colleagues was widely criticised despite his acquittal, can apply to rejoin next month.
A new Scottish party – called Alliance For Independence – is to be launched within two weeks, with former SNP MSP Dave Thompson among its members, while a poll last week suggested more than a quarter of Scots would vote for a new pro-indy party led by the former First Minister.
Some senior nationalists have backed the notion of a second party designed to win list MSPs and boost proindependence numbers at Holyrood. However, the SNP urges supporters to give both votes to its candidates.
Mr Salmond has refused to comment on his political future before a Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government’s botched handling of claims of sexual misconduct.
SNP MSP Alex Neil said: “I’m sure his loyalties lie with the SNP. But I don’t know whether he wants to become active in formal politics again. But his opinion matters because there is no one more experienced than him in politics in Scotland.”
Before joining the SNP, Mr Neil formed a breakaway Scottish Labour Party in 1976 with Jim Sillars. He said: “After my experience in the 1970s, I wouldn’t advise anyone to start a new party.
“It took the SNP from 1934 to 2007 to get into government. It is a long haul and if your goal is independence, I’m sorry, we can’t wait 45 or 50 years. The best way to deliver it is through the SNP.”
The Alliance For Independence party will launch within two weeks and campaign in next year’s Holyrood election. It will not challenge the SNP in constituency seats and only contest list seats. It is hoping to field up to 96 candidates.
Mr Thompson, a member of its steering group, said: “We haven’t made any formal approaches to anyone like Alex. After we launch, anyone is welcome to join us.”
Last week a Panelbase poll for website Wings Over Scotland showed more than a quarter of Scottish voters would either definitely or probably vote for a new proindependence party led by Alex Salmond.
The idea of a separate pro-indy party standing in next year’s Holyrood election was subsequently backed by Kenny MacAskill, who was justice secretary in Mr Salmond’s government.
Mr Salmond’s spokesperson said the former First Minister would not comment until after he had given evidence to the parliamentary committee.
The SNP declined to comment.