Alba Party’s absence in key Aberdeenshire by-elections raises questions

The Alba Party's absence in recent by-elections sparks debate about its future.

In a surprising turn of events, the Alba Party, founded by former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, has chosen not to participate in crucial by-elections in Aberdeenshire. This decision comes just days after Salmond’s passing, leaving many to ponder the implications for the party’s future.

The by-elections, taking place in Strichen, Fraserburgh, and Mearns, were seen as pivotal opportunities for the pro-independence party to establish its presence in a region Salmond had identified as a key target for the upcoming 2026 elections.

Strategic misstep or calculated decision?

Polling expert Allan Faulds expressed surprise at the Alba Party’s absence from the ballot, especially given its previous participation in the 2022 local elections. Faulds noted that Aberdeenshire should be a stronghold for Alba, making the decision to abstain from the by-elections appear puzzling. The party’s lack of candidates raises questions about its organizational capacity and strategic direction. With Salmond’s ambitious goal of securing at least 20 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in the next election, the absence from these by-elections could be seen as a significant setback.

The impact of short notice and resource allocation

An Alba spokesperson acknowledged that the short notice of the by-elections affected their ability to field candidates. The party had recently focused its resources on a by-election in Dundee, where they achieved over 5% of the vote. This allocation of resources may have hindered their capacity to contest in Aberdeenshire, leading to speculation about the party’s priorities and future strategies. The spokesperson reassured supporters of Alba’s commitment to the north-east of Scotland, indicating that the party intends to remain active in the region despite the current setback.

Future prospects for the Alba Party

As the political landscape in Scotland continues to evolve, the Alba Party’s decision to forgo participation in these by-elections raises critical questions about its viability and strategy moving forward. With Salmond’s vision for the party still fresh in the minds of supporters, the absence from these elections could undermine confidence in the party’s ability to make significant gains in the next Holyrood election. Observers will be closely watching how Alba navigates this challenging period and whether it can rally support in the face of recent setbacks.