Alba leader candidates to face off on Saturday
The top candidates to succeed Alex Salmond as leader of the Alba party will debate in Glasgow on Saturday.
Acting leader Kenny MacAskill and MSP Ash Regan have both qualified to stand for the top position in the pro-independence SNP splinter party.
Party secretary Chris McEleny is running for depute leader against Neale Hanvey, who served as an MP from 2019 to 2024.
The hustings will be chaired by former SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie.
The leadership contest has been marked by accusations of bullying and misconduct from both sides.
McEleny, who was sacked from his paid role in the party last week, told Sky that MacAskill “is going to look back in the near future and regret some of the actions of the previous months”.
Regan also criticised the longtime Salmond ally, telling Sky: “We are leaderless and it is descending into a little bit of chaos right now.”
However, MacAskill, a childhood friend of Salmond, has been endorsed by the former First Minister’s family; including his widow Moira, sister and niece.
Salmond’s sister, Gail Hendry, said: “I’ve always found him to be principled and trustworthy.
“He is passionate and knowledgeable and I would be proud to work with Kenny as Alba party leader.”
Hustings will be held across Scotland, including in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Perth.
The new leader will be announced on 26 March at an event in Edinburgh.
