SNP candidate investigated over benefit claims

An SNP candidate is under investigation over disability benefit claims.   

Sally Donald, who will contest the Edinburgh Southern seat in May, is facing a probe by Social Security Scotland regarding alleged fraud, The Scotsman has reported.   

The SNP staffer, who has worked for multiple MPs, came in for criticism in 2022 after joking about being “on board the SNP gravy bus”.   

The Holyrood election candidate is being investigated after concerns were raised about Adult Disability Payment (ADP) claims. ADP can be worth up to £10,000 a year tax-free.  

It is an in-work benefit for disabled individuals, aimed at helping them with the extra costs associated with being disabled or having a long-term health condition. Payment rates vary based on individual needs and circumstances.   

Donald is a well-known figure in the party and currently works for SNP MP Graham Leadbitter, and has spoken about having autism and severe anxiety.   

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “These are very serious allegations and both the SNP and Ms Donald must explain immediately what has happened.   

“The public purse is not a gravy bus, and if these allegations are proven correct then the SNP must remove their support for this candidate and conduct a full audit of their remaining candidates to make sure none of them are defrauding Scotland.”  

In a statement to The Scotsman, Donald said: “In September last year, I met with Social Security Scotland who had received an anonymous complaint about my eligibility for the Adult Disability Payment.  

“I provided the details they requested and have not heard anything since. I continue to receive ADP, based on their initial assessment of my eligibility for support.”  

Alexander Stewart, Scottish Conservative welfare spokesman, said: "If these allegations stack up, then this SNP candidate has taken being on the nationalists’ ‘gravy bus’ all too literally.  

"These are extremely serious claims against a candidate who is asking voters to put their faith in her in just a few weeks’ time and who has been trusted by very senior figures within the SNP.  

“We have repeatedly warned that the SNP’s benefits system is too light touch and runs the risk of people making fraudulent claims.  

“SNP ministers must come clean about the accusations against this high-profile candidate and guarantee that the benefits system is fair to both those in genuine need and hard-working taxpayers.”