Alex Salmond ally stands down as chair of Alba Party
A new interim chair has been appointed to the party
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, a close political ally of the late Alex Salmond, has stood down as chair of the Alba Party.
Party leader Kenny MacAskill said Ms Ahmed-Sheikh was temporarily stepping aside from the role for “personal reasons”, but expected her to return to the post in the future.
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh was on the trip to North Macedonia with Mr Salmond when he died in October 2024. She was also part of his chat show on the Russian state-owned RT.
Although now a member of the Alba Party, which was founded in 2021 by the former first minister, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh has previously been a member of Labour, the Conservatives and the SNP.
She served as the SNP MP for Ochil and South Perthshire for two years between 2015 and 2017.
In an email to Alba members, Mr MacAskill said: “I am writing to update you following the NEC meeting held over the weekend and to outline the key decisions that were agreed.
“The most significant outcome from the meeting was that Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh has temporarily stepped aside from her role as Alba Party chair due to personal reasons.
“She will retain her position on the national executive committee as one of our four female ordinary members.
“We send Tasmina our very best wishes and look forward to her return when circumstances allow.”
Debbie Ewen has been appointed as interim chair of the party during Ms Ahmed-Sheikh’s absence.
Mr MacAskill added: “In the interim, the NEC has appointed Debbie Ewen as interim chair. Debbie brings a health of experience from her professional career, particularly within the civil service and in senior financial roles. She is highly respected for her judgement, leadership, and ability to manage complex situations with clarity and confidence.
“At a time when the party is navigating significant challenges, Debbie’s experience means we are very much in safe hands.
“She has the skills, credibility and authority to hit the ground running and provide stability and focus in the weeks ahead.”
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