The ALBA Party National Executive has called on Humza Yousaf to show leadership by proposing a single Scotland United independence candidate in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election

They have delayed a decision on whether to field an ALBA candidate until the 26th August to allow Humza Yousaf to respond to their unity initiative. However, in the meantime they have set the next full ALBA National Council for that date in Rutherglen Town Hall and put in motion all preparations for standing in the election.

Speaking last night after the meeting of the Alba Party National Executive Alex Salmond said;

“The SNP are acting as if they had a political death wish. As things stand there could be at least four independence supporting candidates cutting each others throats in a first past the post election.

Meanwhile the SNP is weakened by financial scandal and an indifferent Government record. These are hardly the best circumstances in which to fight a by-election which is why the bookies have Labour as overwhelming 9-1 on favourites to gain the seat.

There are enough pro-independence supporters in Rutherglen and Hamilton West to win any election but only with a single Scotland United candidate and fought on the overarching issue of securing an independence mandate at the next election.

Humza Yousaf has it in his gift to galvanise independence supporters with a decisive move of unity of purpose and action. That is a much better option for Scotland than presenting the by-election on a platter to Sir Keir Starmer.”