Alex Salmond’s new political party has secured two more defections from the SNP ahead of the Holyrood election.
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Neale Hanvey and Lynn Anderson, who was the SNP’s Equalities Convener, have jumped ship.
Salmond, the former first minister and ex SNP leader, shocked the political world last week by announcing he would stand for Holyrood for the Alba Party.
He has been engaged in a bitter feud for three years with first minister Nicola Sturgeon over her government’s botched misconduct probe into him.
He will lead the party in an attempt to return a “super majority” of pro-independence MSPs. Alba will only stand candidates on the regional Lists.
MP Kenny MacAskill, who was Salmond’s justice secretary, defected last week and he has now been joined by Hanvey.
The MP, who was suspended then reinstated to the SNP after sharing an anti-semitic message on social media, will stand for Alba on the Mid Scotland and Fife List.
He said: “In December 2019 the people of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath made political history by electing me as their first independent and pro-independence MP.
"In the tumult of the following year I worked with vigour and determination both in parliament and with my outstanding constituency team to deliver for the communities I represent.
"I have also used my professional expertise to challenge the complete inadequacy of Westminster’s response to COVID.
"Yet like so many I have been angered by our powerlessness in the face of Brexit and share the frustration of many who feel the aspirations of the independence movement are being ignored.
"The Alba Party provide a tonic for our movement with an unashamedly optimistic vision for Scotland’s impending transition to an independent European nation.
"The Alba party’s growing membership will shape our policy priorities in the coming week. The people of Scotland will always be my priority so it’s a very real honour to be standing for Alba and an independence supermajority.”
Councillor Lynn Anderson, who North Lanarkshire council register of interest says she is employed by SNP MP Joanna Cherry, has also joined Alba
She said: “I am delighted to join the Alba Party.
"As a councillor, and the former SNP National Equalities Convener, I’m really looking forward to a positive campaign reflecting an inclusive and tolerant Scotland. Securing a Super Majority for independence in the upcoming elections is crucial in delivering the fairer independent Scotland we seek. “
