A former SNP candidate who withdrew from her position after being investigated over potential benefits fraud now faces having to repay nearly £20,000, according to recent reports. Sally Donald, who previously joked about being on the 'SNP gravy bus', quit as the Edinburgh Southern candidate earlier this week after it was revealed she was under investigation by Social Security Scotland.
Investigation Details and Financial Liability
According to a report published in The Scotsman, Donald is liable to pay back £19,000 in adult disability payment (ADP) to which she was not entitled. The investigation into her finances began after a complaint in September 2025, and she announced the end of her candidacy just hours after the details emerged publicly.
Political Fallout and Accusations
John Swinney, who personally endorsed Donald as a candidate, was accused on Thursday of effectively 'decriminalising benefit fraud' when the Scottish Conservatives revealed that there have only been three summary convictions for 'obtaining assistance by deceit' since April 2022. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has written to the First Minister to urge him to come clean about what he knew and when regarding the probe into Donald.
Swinney claimed to have only found out about the investigation when there was a press inquiry earlier this week. However, an SNP insider has been quoted as saying Donald 'had been open with others in the party about the investigation into her finances'.
Conservative Criticism and Policy Proposals
Russell Findlay stated: 'John Swinney says he first found out about the investigation into Sally Donald's benefit claims from the media – but then did a runner when the media tried to ask him legitimate questions. Was he aware that she was claiming substantial benefits while parading her busy lifestyle as an SNP star candidate all over social media? He needs to come clean.'
Findlay added: 'The rot runs much deeper than just one SNP candidate because John Swinney's light-touch system has resulted in the effective decriminalisation of benefit fraud in Scotland. Going into the critical Holyrood election, only the Scottish Conservatives are being honest with the public about the SNP's out-of-control benefits spending.'
The Scottish Conservatives have set out plans to address soaring numbers of ADP mental health claims while protecting benefits for those in genuine need. Findlay emphasised: 'The SNP's charter for chancers must be replaced with a system that's fair to everyone, especially hard-pressed taxpayers.'
Donald's Response and Next Steps
In a social media post on Wednesday, the 32-year-old Donald told constituents she was 'regrettably' stepping away from the campaign. She said on Instagram: '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.'
Donald will now have the option of appealing the findings, which may also still be referred by Social Security Scotland to the Crown Office for further legal action. Social Security Scotland declined to comment, stating: 'We do not comment on any active fraud investigations.'
Broader Implications for SNP and Benefits System
This case highlights ongoing tensions between political parties over benefits management and fraud prevention in Scotland. The allegations of decriminalisation and the specific focus on ADP claims add layers to the debate about welfare spending and accountability ahead of upcoming elections.
