Expelled former SNP MP Angus MacNeil joins Alba and ‘may’ stand for Holyrood

Former SNP MP Angus MacNeil has announced his decision to join the Alba Party and has hinted at the possibility of standing in the upcoming Holyrood election. MacNeil, who previously represented the Western Isles, was expelled from the SNP last year when he tried to resign temporarily after being suspended by the party for missing crucial votes to attend a trip to Qatar.

MacNeil, a known ally of former SNP and Alba leader Alex Salmond, expressed his frustration with the SNP leadership, criticising their lack of focus on independence and stifling of debate within the party. He stated that if there is enough support, he would consider standing for election to help further the cause of independence.

The former SNP MP highlighted his disappointment with the SNP’s approach to independence, citing the lack of a Plan B and a seeming lack of direction once their initial strategy faltered. MacNeil’s move to join the Alba Party comes as he seeks a platform to push for independence and contribute to the political landscape in Scotland.

With the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections on the horizon, MacNeil’s entry into the Alba Party could add another dynamic to the political scene in Scotland, especially in relation to the ongoing discourse around independence. As he mulls over the possibility of standing for election, his alignment with Alba indicates a potential shift in the political alliances within Scotland.

In summary, Angus MacNeil’s decision to join the Alba Party and consider standing for the Holyrood election underscores the evolving political landscape in Scotland, particularly concerning the drive for independence. His critique of the SNP’s approach to independence and his alignment with Alba signal a renewed focus on advancing the cause of independence within the Scottish political sphere.