THE NEC of Action for Independence (AFI), the fledgling pro-independence party that launched the “Max the Yes” concept for the Holyrood election, was due to consider its next moves last night after the launch of Alex Salmond’s Alba Party.

Members were notified by email after Alba’s launch that its list candidates for the May 6 poll would be stood down amid developments that had been a “game changer” for AFI.

They were told: “That is a great compliment to all of you who have pioneered the ‘Max the Yes’ concept and the drive for a ‘supermajority’ in May.”

An email from Salmond was also copied in to them thanking them for preparing the groundwork: “I recognise that you were there first and Alba hope to carry the torch of independence forward into the next Scottish Parliament.”

The NEC had earlier agreed that AFI would continue as an independence campaign group and would “de-register” as a political party, noting to free it from Electoral Commission control.

Before last night’s meeting though, it was known the move to stand down candidates in favour of Alba’s picks was not entirely popular with AFI members.

One told The National: “There’s a lot of dissatisfaction amongst the members.

“We always knew there was a possibility of Alex Salmond coming in and changing the dynamic, but some of us had hoped he could have been persuaded to come on board with us, not mount a takeover.”

Another said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if AFI was simply testing the waters for Alba with the supermajority plan.

“If that were the case, it’s a great insult to the candidates we were fielding.”

None of AFI’s candidates found a place on the Alba list, but one – former NEC member and indy campaigner Martin Keatings – is now standing as an independent for the presiding officer at Holyrood.