Action for Independence
LeaderDave Thompson
Founded15 July 2020 (2020-07-15)
Registered5 February 2021 (2021-02-05)
Dissolved14 April 2021 (2021-04-14)
Split fromScottish National Party
HeadquartersBalnafettack Farm House
Inverness
IV3 8NL
IdeologyScottish independence
National affiliationScottish Independence Convention
Slogan#MaxTheYes
Scottish Parliament
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Scottish local government
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Website
afi.scot

Action for Independence (AFI) was a minor political party in Scotland. It was set up in July 2020 by former Scottish National Party (SNP) Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Dave Thompson[1][2] to compete at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.[3]

Founded as Alliance for Independence,[4] the party's name was rejected by the Electoral Commission on the grounds that it was not an alliance of existing political parties.[5] In February 2021, the commission approved the party's registration under its new name.[6]

At the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the AFI intended to stand on the regional list only, whilst encouraging voters to vote SNP in the constituency list.[7]

On 25 March 2021, former convener of the Scottish Socialist Party and current convener of Solidarity, Tommy Sheridan, announced that he would be standing for the party. Other candidates announced included former SNP MSP John Wilson, former Labour MEP Hugh Kerr and former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray.[8][9] The following day, however, following former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond's announcement that had joined the Alba Party and his intention to stand for election, the AFI's National Executive announced that they would be standing down all 42 candidates and would support Alba candidates.[10]

AFI was voluntarily deregistered on 14 April 2021.[11]

References

  1. ^ "View registration – The Electoral Commission". search.electoralcommission.org.uk. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  2. ^ Press Association (15 July 2020). "Former SNP MSP quits party after more than 40 years to join new pro-independence alliance". The Courier. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Ex-SNP MSP to quit party for new independence alliance". STV News. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  4. ^ Sim, Philip (14 July 2020). "Could a new independence party reshape Scottish politics?". BBC News. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  5. ^ Gordon, Tom (3 October 2020). "New Independence party forced to change 'misleading' name". The Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  6. ^ Gordon, Tom (5 February 2021). "New pro-Indy and pro-Union parties approved for Holyrood election". The Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  7. ^ Young, Gregor (6 February 2021). "Action for Independence approved as party ahead of Holyrood elections". The National. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  8. ^ Hutcheon, Paul (26 March 2021). "Perjurer Tommy Sheridan to stand for new pro-independence party in election". Daily Record. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  9. ^ Webster, Laura (26 March 2021). "Action for Independence reveal candidates for Scottish Parliament election". The National. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  10. ^ Barrie, Douglas (26 March 2021). "Action for Independence stands down candidates after Salmond announcement". Evening Standard. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  11. ^ "View registration - The Electoral Commission". Electoral Commission.
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