Sally Donald, a Holyrood candidate who had been personally endorsed by First Minister John Swinney, has resigned after an investigation into her claims for disability benefits was revealed. The 31-year-old, who was standing for the SNP in Edinburgh Southern, stepped down just days before the election, stating she did not want to be a distraction despite denying any wrongdoing.
Investigation into Disability Payments
The Scotsman newspaper disclosed that Ms Donald was under scrutiny by Social Security Scotland regarding her claims for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), a benefit worth up to £10,000 annually designed to assist individuals with long-term health and mobility issues. The probe followed an anonymous complaint about her receipt of the benefit.
Ms Donald, who has autism and anxiety, explained that she met with benefits agency officials last September and provided the requested details. She claimed to have heard nothing further since then and continued to receive ADP based on an initial assessment of her eligibility. In a statement, she said, "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."
Political Fallout and Criticism
Her departure has sparked calls from opposition parties for the SNP to conduct its own investigation. Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Alexander Stewart remarked, "Sally Donald's position as a candidate was clearly untenable and it's right that she's stepped down. Scots forced to pay more tax to fund the Nationalists' ballooning benefits bill will be asking why someone vigorously campaigning to become an MSP is reportedly receiving benefits due to having anxiety."
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie urged SNP social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville to clarify when she first became aware of the investigation, adding, "Serious questions remain unanswered." Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry, KC, suggested on social media that Ms Donald should have been suspended as a candidate, hinting at double standards within the party.
Background and Controversial Social Media Post
Ms Donald, a psychology graduate who has worked for multiple MPs since 2016 and would have earned £77,710 annually as an MSP, has been open about her mental health challenges. Last year, she shared on Facebook that she finds it "almost impossible to sit still while listening to speeches" and uses therapy putty to manage her anxiety, noting, "It's just how my wee brain works!"
In 2022, she faced significant criticism after posting a picture on social media next to the SNP's campaign coach with the caption "All aboard the gravy bus," a remark that drew ire for its perceived insensitivity. The image, which also featured former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, resurfaced amid the benefits investigation.
Impact on SNP Campaign
Ms Donald's exit leaves the SNP scrambling to find a replacement candidate in the Labour-held Edinburgh Southern seat. She had been selected as a candidate a year ago and was endorsed by John Swinney, who attended her fundraising adoption night on February 21. An SNP spokesman confirmed, "Sally Donald has informed local members of her decision to no longer stand as a candidate."
Social Security Scotland declined to comment on the investigation, stating, "We do not comment on any active fraud investigations." The incident highlights ongoing debates about disability benefits, mental health, and political accountability in Scotland.
