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SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim

Facebook A woman with long blonde hair and glasses smiles while looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a pink jacket, with a green park in the background Facebook
Sally Donald works for an SNP MP

A prospective SNP candidate in May's Holyrood election is standing down after it emerged she is being investigated over an alleged benefits fraud.

As first reported by The Scotsman, Sally Donald - who was selected to contest the Edinburgh Southern seat - is being investigated by Social Security Scotland over claims for the Adult Disability Payment.

Announcing she would no longer run for election, the SNP staffer "strenuously denied any and all wrongdoing".

Donald, who works for MP Graham Leadbitter, said she did not want "recent reporting" to distract from the SNP campaign.

The staffer - who previously worked for Culture Secretary Angus Robertson - has built up a considerable following on social media, where she promotes the SNP.

Campaign 'distraction'

In an Instagram post, she said she had "regrettably" decided not to stand in for election in May.

Donald wrote: "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."

She thanked her supporters, adding: "I wish the team and the new candidate all the best for 7 May."

Donald - who was joined on stage by First Minister John Swinney at an event announcing her selection as the Edinburgh Southern candidate - has previously posted about autism on social media.

Facebook John Swinney, who is bald with glasses, and Sally Donald, who has long blonde hair and glasses, smile while standing side-by-side. They are posing in front of gold balloons. Facebook
John Swinney attended the event announcing Sally Donald's selection

The Adult Disability Payment is given to people with long-term illness or disabilities that affect their everyday life.

It can be worth thousands of pounds per year.

If a Social Security Scotland claimant is investigated for fraud they could be interviewed under caution by the organisation's counter-fraud branch.

If sufficient evidence is gathered the case could be reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Scottish Conservative security secretary spokesman Alexander Stewart said: "Sally Donald's position as a candidate was clearly untenable and it's right that she's stepped down."

He claimed the Scottish benefits system was not "fit for purpose".

A spokesperson for the SNP confirmed Donald had informed the party she would no longer be standing.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: "Sally Donald has made the correct call to stand down as a Scottish Parliamentary candidate. However, serious questions still remain unanswered.

"Ms Donald was selected by the SNP as a candidate in March 2025, and yet we are still in the dark about what SNP bosses knew and when about the benefits fraud investigation, and the allegations made against her."