KENNY MacAskill is leaving the SNP to join Alex Salmond’s Alba Party, he has announced.

The former justice secretary and SNP MP will stand for the new party in the upcoming Holyrood election on the Lothian list, he informed members.

The move is not unexpected, with MacAskill highly critical of Nicola Sturgeon’s independence strategy.

The Alba Party revealed the news as former Ayr MP Corri Wilson also defected.

In an open letter to his party workers, the East Lothian MP said: “I will be joining the newly formed Alba Party to deliver than supermajority for independence through the list vote and which I believe’s essential to achieving our nation’s independence.”

READ MORE: Speculation turns to who will be next to join Alex Salmond's brand new Alba Party

Wilson added she plans to stand in the South of Scotland list. She commented: “I am delighted to be joining the Alba Party whose goal is to secure independence for Scotland – the cause that so many in Scotland have given so much to support.

“I believe we have a fantastic opportunity at this election to work with others to deliver an independence #supermajority leaving Boris and co in no doubt that we are ready for self-determination.”

The National:

Following the news, Ian Blackford commented: “He has been an increasing embarrassment to many in the SNP and his departure is somewhat of a relief. 

“He should now resign his seat in the House of Commons to let a by-election take place.”

MacAskill and Wilson join Salmond, Chris McEleny, Eva Comrie and Cynthia Guthrie as the party's confirmed candidates.

Yesterday Joanna Cherry dismissed any speculation that she may join in a tweet: “Yesterday I said I was taking some time out for health reasons. Any speculation to the contrary is incorrect. I intend to return to work as the SNP MP for Edinburgh South West when I am able. Thanks for all the good wishes."

Writing in a Scotsman column today, MacAskill argued the Alba Party would appeal to many independence supporters.

"There has been some internal dissent within the SNP and a new political home will appeal to many," he wrote.

He added he was not sold on the "Both Votes SNP" strategy touted by the party. 

"Firstly, the arithmetic’s clear. In 2016, the SNP polled nearly a million list votes but returned just four list MSPs, none in two out of the six regional areas. On the latest polling they’d return none in any area," he said.

READ MORE: SNP respond as Alex Salmond launches new Alba Party ahead of Scottish election

Yesterday the SNP reacted to the announcement of the new party. 

A spokesperson 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.

“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.”