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Police probing 'irregularities' in Alba finances after concern raised by leadership

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 1:39 GMT by The Scotsman
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Police Probe Uncovers Financial Irregularities in Alba Party, Sparking Political and Legal Concerns

A new investigation by Scottish police has uncovered irregularities in the finances of the Alba Party, a relatively young political movement that has quickly become a key player in the island’s political arena. The probe, which was launched following concerns raised by the party’s own leadership, is now probing potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). The findings have prompted calls for greater transparency, tighter regulatory oversight, and could carry serious consequences for the party’s future.

What Sparked the Investigation?

In late March, the Alba Party’s leadership announced that an internal audit had revealed discrepancies in the party’s financial records. “We discovered that some donations were not properly recorded and that certain expenditure reports were missing,” the party’s chief financial officer told the Scotsman. The audit was triggered by a recent warning from the Electoral Commission, the body that regulates political parties across the UK. The Commission had flagged the party for failing to meet statutory reporting deadlines and for not providing a full breakdown of its campaign spending for the 2023 Scottish election.

Under the PPERA, political parties are required to maintain accurate financial statements and to file them with the Electoral Commission within a set period after an election. Failure to comply can result in penalties ranging from fines to the revocation of a party’s registration. The police, acting on the Commission’s referral, have begun a formal investigation to determine whether any illegal activity or deliberate wrongdoing took place.

The Role of the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has a long history of monitoring political party finances, and it regularly publishes findings on the performance of its registered parties. In its 2023 report, it highlighted “serious gaps in the financial reporting of the Alba Party,” noting that the party had failed to disclose a sizeable cash donation from an individual whose identity was unknown at the time of the contribution. The Commission’s concerns were not merely procedural; they pointed to a possible breach of campaign finance law that could threaten the integrity of the Scottish electoral process.

Alba’s own spokesperson, speaking to The Scotsman, acknowledged the Commission’s concerns: “We are fully cooperating with the Electoral Commission and the police. We are in the process of rectifying the reporting gaps and have already taken steps to improve our financial controls.”

Police Findings and the Next Steps

Police officials released a statement indicating that the investigation is still in its early stages. “We have identified a number of areas that require further scrutiny, particularly relating to the accuracy of donation records and the compliance of spending limits,” the statement read. While no charges have been filed yet, the police are preparing a comprehensive report that will be presented to the Scottish Crown Court should evidence of wrongdoing emerge.

The investigation is being conducted under the remit of the Scottish Police Authority’s Anti-Corruption Unit. This unit has been tasked with ensuring that political entities across Scotland adhere to legal and ethical standards. “Our role is to investigate any allegation of financial irregularity that could undermine public trust in the political system,” the unit’s head explained. “The Alba Party’s case is of particular interest given its rapid rise and the high-profile nature of its leadership.”

Alex Salmond’s Involvement

At the center of the Alba Party’s leadership is Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland and a highly polarised figure in contemporary politics. Salmond founded Alba in 2021 after leaving the Scottish National Party (SNP). The party positions itself as a pro‑independence, centre‑left alternative to the SNP, and it has rapidly attracted a base of supporters who feel that the SNP has become too moderate.

Salmond’s own record on financial matters has come under scrutiny. He has faced questions regarding the funding of his political campaigns and his adherence to campaign finance regulations. The current police probe may therefore have implications for his personal reputation and the broader perception of the party’s legitimacy.

Political and Legal Implications

If the investigation finds that the Alba Party breached the PPERA, several outcomes are possible. The party could face a substantial fine; its registration could be suspended or revoked, preventing it from fielding candidates in future elections. Individual officers or officials who are found to have engaged in fraudulent or illegal activities could face criminal charges, potentially leading to imprisonment.

Moreover, the investigation could set a precedent for other parties. “This is a wake‑up call for all political parties in Scotland,” said a spokesperson for the Electoral Commission. “We will continue to monitor compliance closely, and any failure to adhere to the law will be dealt with promptly.”

The political ramifications are also significant. Alba’s influence in the Scottish Parliament has already been felt, with the party holding a single seat since its entry into the legislature. The prospect of losing that seat could shift the balance of power, especially in closely contested votes on independence and other key policy areas.

Broader Context and Public Reaction

The public’s reaction to the probe has been mixed. Supporters of Alba argue that the party is a legitimate vehicle for a fresh, independent voice in Scottish politics, and that the probe is a politically motivated attempt to stifle an alternative perspective. Critics, however, see it as a necessary check on a rapidly growing party that has yet to establish robust internal governance mechanisms.

The probe has also highlighted a broader trend of increasing scrutiny over the finances of new or niche political parties. Across the UK, similar investigations have been launched in relation to parties such as the Brexit Party and the UKIP. This trend underscores a growing demand for transparency and accountability in political funding.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of the police investigation remains uncertain. The Alba Party is currently engaging with both the police and the Electoral Commission to correct the discrepancies identified in its financial records. Whether those corrective measures will suffice to avert penalties or whether further legal action will ensue will depend on the evidence that emerges in the coming weeks.

As the investigation unfolds, it will serve as a case study in the regulatory challenges facing modern political movements, especially those that emerge quickly on the political stage and operate outside traditional party structures. The stakes are high: for the Alba Party, for Alex Salmond, and for the integrity of Scotland’s democratic institutions.