Scotland’s former first minister Alex Salmond has re-entered frontline politics to become the new leader of the pro-independence Alba Party.
The party was registered with the Electoral Commission in January by retired TV producer Laurie Flynn, who is making way for Mr Salmond.
Alba Party will have candidates in the Scottish Parliament elections on 6 May.
Mr Salmond said in a statement: “Today I’m announcing the public launch of a new political force, the Alba Party.
“Alba will contest the upcoming Scottish elections as a list-only party, seeking to build a super-majority for independence in the Scottish Parliament. Advertisement
“Over the next six weeks we will promote new ideas about taking Scotland forward – giving primacy to economic recovery from the pandemic and the achievement of independence for our country.
“We expect to field a minimum of four candidates in each regional list and we’re hoping to elect Alba MSPs in each area of Scotland.”