Former SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh among 32 Alba candidates

Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, a former SNP MP, is among 32 candidates announced by Alex Salmond’s new Alba Party.

Ahmed-Sheikh, who represented Ochil and South Perthshire between 2015 and 2017, is at the top of Alba’s list for the Central Scotland region in the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.

She is the latest figure to join from the SNP since the former first minister announced his new political party last week.

Ahmed-Sheikh, who was the SNP’s women’s and equalities convener until 2018, previously worked with Salmond on his television show for the RT channel.

On Wednesday, Alba said it had met its target of standing four candidates in each regional list in Scotland – a total of 32. It will not be fielding candidates in the constituency ballots.

Alba is due to hold a national candidate launch event on Thursday.

Revealing the list of 32 candidates, Mr Salmond said: “This is a thrilling list with a depth of talent, diversity and experience which I am proud to lead into the election.

“Five days ago I asked how many would rally to the Alba standard. The answer comes in this hugely impressive list today.

“Alba is set to make a big impact as we seek to build the #Supermajority for independence in the next Scottish Parliament.”

Sitting SNP MPs Kenny MacAskill and Neale Hanvey have switched their party affiliation to Alba, while a number of other SNP representatives have also joined.

Alba says that women make up 56% of its candidates.