SNP candidate steps down amid investigation into benefit claim

An SNP candidate has announced she will no longer stand for her party at the Holyrood elections in May amid an investigation into disability benefit claims.  

Sally Donald, who previously came in for criticism in 2022 after joking about being “on board the SNP gravy bus”, had been selected as the SNP’s candidate for Edinburgh Southern.     

Donald has now announced she has stood down while a Social Security Scotland probe into alleged irregularities in claims for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is ongoing. 

In a statement, she said: “I have always been, and will always be, committed to creating a better Scotland for everyone. However, 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. 

“I would like to thank everyone in my campaign team, all the local members who have supported me, and my family and friends. I wish the team and the new candidate all the best for the 7th of May.” 

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.   

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.”  

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.

“It is imperative that taxpayers’ money is respected, and yet the SNP has a track record of showing absolutely scant regard for public cash. This includes by Ms Donald, who once described an SNP election battle-bus as a ‘gravy bus’.  

“Shirley-Anne Somerville should explain when she became aware of the investigation into Ms Donald. Further, the SNP should set out why they felt it was appropriate to allow someone alleged to have defrauded Social Security Scotland to stand as a candidate.”