THE SNP have issued a response after Alex Salmond set out his plan to lead the Alba Party into the Scottish Parliament election.

The former SNP leader’s new party will run solely on the list. Salmond says the aim is to create a pro-independence “supermajority” in order to secure indyref2.

A spokesperson for the SNP said: “This is perhaps the most predictable development in Scottish politics for quite some time.

“At this time of crisis, the interests of the country must come first and should not be obscured by the self interest of someone who shows no sign whatsoever of reflecting on serious concerns about his own conduct concerns which, to put it mildly, raise real questions about the appropriateness of a return to public office.

READ MORE: Alex Salmond to lead new Alba Party into Scottish Parliament election

“The SNP has led the country through the last twelve months of the Covid pandemic, and at this election we offer the experienced, responsible and forward looking leadership that the country needs.

“Our plans to get Scotland through and out of the Covid crisis, and support a recovery with fairness and equality at its heart, with the opportunity to put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands, will the focus of our election campaign.

“The only way to secure strong leadership, a referendum on independence, and a positive future for the country is to cast both votes for the SNP on May 6.”

READ MORE: Alex Salmond's Alba Party launch event marred by technical issues

Salmond will stand in the North East region and lead the Alba Party, which will field at least four candidates in the regional lists.

Chris McEleny, an SNP councillor in Inverclyde, has resigned from the Nationalists to stand in the West of Scotland for the Alba Party.

Eva Comrie will stand in the Mid-Scotland and Fife region and Cynthia Guthrie in South of Scotland.

READ MORE: Viewers across Scotland react to launch of Alex Salmond's Alba Party

Salmond said: “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 from every area of Scotland.”

Salmond said the aim of the party is to work towards a “successful, socially just, environmentally responsible, independent country”.

READ MORE: Joanna Cherry confirms she will not be joining Alex Salmond's Alba Party