Edinburgh SNP candidate quits race amid benefits probe

An SNP candidate in Edinburgh has quit the race ahead of May’s election after reports emerged she was being investigated over her claiming of benefits.

Sally Donald has been a long-time SNP staffer and had won the contest to run in Edinburgh Southern in May.

But the Scotsman reported Ms Donald was under investigation by Social Security Scotland over her claiming of adult disability payment.

A statement given to the paper by the now former candidate confirmed it was based on an “anonymous complaint about my eligibility for adult disability payment”.

Posting on her Instagram page, she said: “I have always been, and will always be, committed to creating a better Scotland for everyone.

“However, I have regrettably come to the decision to no longer stand in the elections in May.

“While I strenuously deny any and all wrongdoing, I do not want recent reporting to distract any further from the excellent campaign being run in Edinburgh Southern.

“I would like to thank everyone in my campaign team, all the local members who have supported me and my family and friends.

“I wish the team and the new candidate all the best for May 7.”

A spokesperson for the SNP confirmed Ms Donald had informed the party she would no longer be standing.

Scottish Tory social security spokesman Alexander Stewart said: “Sally Donald’s position as a candidate was clearly untenable and it’s right that she’s stepped down.

“But the case has highlighted a much wider and more important issue – that the SNP’s welfare system isn’t fit for purpose.”