Exclusive:SNP Holyrood candidate investigated over benefits claims
Sally Donald is currently subject to a Social Security Scotland probe
A Holyrood candidate who once joked of being “on board the SNP gravy bus” is being investigated over benefits claims.
Sally Donald, a spin doctor who has worked for multiple MPs, is the Nationalists’ nominee for Edinburgh Southern.
But The Scotsman can reveal Ms Donald is currently subject to a Social Security Scotland probe concerning an alleged fraud that could be tens of thousands of pounds.
Multiple sources have confirmed the would-be parliamentarian is subject to scrutiny after concerns were raised about Adult Disability Payment (ADP) claims.
The benefit was devolved from the DWP to the SNP’s own benefits agency in 2022.
An insider claimed the 32-year-old had been open with others in the party about the investigation into her finances.
The Nationalist, who works for SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter, has spoken about having autism and severe anxiety.
Her Instagram posts - designed to promote her Holyrood campaign - show her detailing her busy work life as well as socialising and shopping.
ADP can be worth up to £10,000 a year tax free and Ms Donald is believed to have been in receipt of the benefit for several years.
The payment is an in-work benefit awarded to people who need help with everyday tasks such as eating, washing, managing toilet needs or engaging socially with other people in person.
Viewed as a young star in the party, Ms Donald has been frequently pictured with former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and MP Stephen Flynn, who is tipped as a strong contender for next leader of the SNP.
At her candidate adoption evening in February, John Swinney was the guest of honour.
In an infamous incident in 2022, Ms Donald posted a picture on social media of herself with Ms Sturgeon’s battlebus and the words “All aboard the gravy bus”.
Then working for the former Livingston MP Hannah Bardell, she was heavily criticised for the post, which came as the battlebus spent three weeks campaigning across Scotland on a “cost of living tour” ahead of the 2022 council elections.
Critics said her post suggested the SNP was a means of making easy money for light work.
The branded coach had been taking Ms Sturgeon across Scotland in a three-week tour ahead of the council elections.
Alongside a picture of the then first minister was the slogan “ease the squeeze”, in reference to the cost of living crisis.
Underneath a picture of herself embracing Ms Sturgeon, she wrote: “The current and future First Minister of Scotland”.
Ms Donald is Edinburgh Central SNP’s women’s officer and also worked for culture secretary Angus Robertson.
She began working for Drew Hendry MP at the age of 21 and in 2023 was awarded the Staffer of the Year Award.
It is understood that once Social Security Scotland has investigated a case, a claimant has the right to appeal.
Following that process, a case may then be referred directly to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
In a statement, Ms Donald said: “In September last year, I met with Social Security Scotland who had received an anonymous complaint about my eligibility for the Adult Disability Payment. I provided the details they requested and have not heard anything since. I continue to receive ADP, based on their initial assessment of my eligibility for support.”
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “These are very serious allegations and both the SNP and Ms Donald must explain immediately what has happened.
“The public purse is not a gravy bus, and if these allegations are proven correct then the SNP must remove their support for this candidate and conduct a full audit of their remaining candidates to make sure none of them are defrauding Scotland.”
Scottish Tory social security spokesman Alexander Stewart added: “If these allegations stack up, then this SNP candidate has taken being on the nationalists’ ‘gravy bus’ all too literally.
“These are extremely serious claims against a candidate who is asking voters to put their faith in her in just a few weeks’ time and who has been trusted by very senior figures within the SNP.”
A Social Security Scotland spokesman said: “We do not comment on any active fraud investigations. It would not be appropriate to discuss individual cases or to confirm whether an individual had been investigated.”