World Boxing Champion enters the ring as Alba Party candidate

Alex Arthur, the Commonwealth Gold Medallist and former WBO Champion of the World will make a sensational switch from the arena of boxing to enter the ring as an Alba Party Candidate for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.

Days after the launch of Alba, and following a number of political defections, the party has started to unveil what it promises will be an impressive slate of new candidates across Scotland, as Alba reignites the Yes movement in its quest for a supermajority for Independence.

“Amazing” Alex Arthur, is the latest big hitter to join the ranks of the Alba Party, and was one of Scotland’s most successful sportsmen, before establishing himself as a leading media commentator and inspiring coach to young athletes.

He won a gold medal for Scotland at the 1988 Commonwealth games, before being crowned WBO super-Featherweight Champion of the world in 2007.

The Alba party says that Arthur embodies its new approach to politics, harnessing talents from across the country, and bringing a much required focus on the need to invest in grassroots sports and health in Scotland’s communities, as a vital part of recovery from the Covid pandemic.

The former world and European champion represented Scotland at the 1988 Commonwealth games, before entering the professional ranks; bringing home a Gold Medal and a World Title for his nation.

Arthur will contest the Scottish Parliament elections in the Lothian Region.

Commenting on joining the Alba Party Alex Arthur said:

“I have had the rare privilege of winning a gold medal for Scotland before reaching the top of the world in my professional career. I backed the Yes campaign in 2014 and I am joining the Alba Party as a candidate to help deliver a Super Majority for independence in the Scottish Parliament.”

“Standing on the podium in front of a Scottish Saltire was one of the proudest moments of my life. If a super featherweight world champion can help deliver a supermajority, I can’t sit on the sidelines.”

“A supermajority for Independence will energise our country, and I am proof that with hard work, inspiration and opportunity, people from across Scotland can achieve amazing things”

“As part of a supermajority of MSPs delivering Scottish independence, I will bring to the Parliament a focus on sport in our working-class communities to ensure that in the recovery from the Coronavirus no young person is left behind"

“It is so important that we inspire the nation as we recover from the Covid pandemic, and put health and wellbeing at the centre of all our communities. I know what’s possible with hard work and inspiration.”

“There is massive talent all over Scotland and I will dedicate myself to making sure that talent has the support needed, to inspire our recovery and to maximise their potential. There are champions everywhere”

Editors notes

• On Friday 26th March the Alba Party was launched by Alex Salmond and Alex and three other candidates were declared - Eva Comrie who transferred from No1 on the SNP list for Mid Scotland and Fife, businesswoman Cynthia Guthrie who is standing in the South of Scotland and Cllr Chris McEleny, the author of “Plan B” who is standing in the West of Scotland.
• On Saturday 27th March former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MP announced his transfer to the Alba Party alongside Corrie Wilson, the former SNP MP
• On Sunday 28th March, Neale Hanvey MP announced his transfer to the Alba Party alongside the SNP’s National Equalities Convener, Cllr Lynne Anderson, who relinquished her position on the SNP’s ruling body to transfer to the Alba Party, and the SNP’s National Women’s Convener Cllr Caroline McAllister
• On Monday 29th March Senior Glasgow SNP Councillor Michelle Ferns joined the Alba party and will contest the Glasgow regional list for the party