Humza Yousaf has been dealt another blow after a prominent Highlands businessman left the SNP over its failure to support the oil and gas industry. Steve Chisholm, who even stood to be the party’s candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Ian Blackford’s seat, has now quit the nationalists to join the Alba Party.
He becomes the second high-profile businessman to defect in just the last couple of weeks, following Doug Thomson who joined Labour after revealing he no longer believed in independence and that Nicola Sturgeon’s deleted Covid WhatsApps were the final straw. A Highlands councillor also left Mr Yousaf’s party in February, with Karl Rosie now sitting as an independent after saying he was “deeply troubled” by the leader’s policies.
Dr Lisa Cameron became the most high-profile defector when she crossed the floor of the House of Commons to join the Tories, citing toxic behaviour within the nationalist group. Mr Chisholm’s departure to the Alba Party will be a further sign that the business community do not trust the SNP-led Scottish Government amid its anti-business policies, such as refusing to hand over business rates relief and considering a ban on junk food sales.
A prominent businessman has quit the SNP to join Alba, accusing the nationalists of abandoning their support for the oil and gas industry.
David Chisholm, who was heavily involved in securing a freeport for the Highlands, said the SNP’s refusal to back the sector had led him to leave, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
He said: “I’m a second-generation supporter of the party, it’s something that’s been with me since I was in primary school. Because of that, it’s not easy to walk away. But it’s become slightly diluted and it’s not the single purpose voice for independence it was a few years ago.”
“I have joined Alba as it is a real opportunity to be part of an ambitious party which is entirely focused on gaining Scotland’s independence. The Highlands possess a wealth of natural resources, resilient communities, and a strong cultural heritage, which should see our region prosper.”
The SNP has been criticised for its stance on the oil and gas industry, with opponents accusing the party of hypocrisy for calling for a windfall tax on energy companies while also opposing new North Sea developments. “Our region is pivotal in achieving targets for energy security and net zero. Alba is the only party I see standing up for our oil and gas industry and its’ workers, recognising the importance of a gradual transition to renewable sources of energy.”
Alex Salmond, the leader of the Alba Party, welcomed the new addition, saying: “We are delighted to have someone of Steve’s calibre and business experience on board. It emphasises Alba’s credentials as a truly National Party representing all parts and all communities in Scotland.”
“Alba’s request to Steve Chisholm to help lead an economic and business initiative underscores the party’s commitment to fostering economic growth and advocating for the interests of the Highlands. His extensive experience and dedication to the region’s development position him as a valuable asset in shaping the party’s economic policy and industrial strategy.”
