An SNP Holyrood candidate has stepped down after being investigated over benefits claims relating to fraudulent adult disability payments.
Sally Donald, who has worked for multiple MPs and was vying for the seat in Edinburgh Southern, is currently subject to a Social Security Scotland probe concerning an alleged fraud that could be up to tens of thousands of pounds.
In an incident in 2022, Ms Donald also posted a picture on social media of herself with Nicola Sturgeon’s battlebus and the words “All aboard the gravy bus” – for which she was heavily criticised.
The would-be MSP is subject to scrutiny after concerns were raised about Adult Disability Payment claims, devolved from the DWP to the SNP’s own benefits agency in 2022.
An insider told The Scotsman that the 32-year-old had been open with others in the party about the investigation into her finances.
Ms Donald, who works for SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter, has spoken about having autism and severe anxiety, as depicted on her social media pages.
Confirming her decision to step down, Ms Donald said: “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.”
ADP can be worth up to £10,000 a year tax free, and Ms Donald is believed to have been in receipt of the benefit for several years, claiming the in-work benefit awarded to those who need help with everyday tasks.
“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”.
Once Social Security Scotland has investigated a case, a claimant has the right to appeal – following which, it can be referred directly to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Viewed as a young star in the party, Ms Donald has been frequently pictured with former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and MP Stephen Flynn, who is tipped as a strong contender for next leader of the SNP.
Ms Donald is Edinburgh Central SNP’s women’s officer and also worked for Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.
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”.
Ms Donald began working for Drew Hendry MP at the age of 21 and in 2023 was awarded the Staffer of the Year Award.
Underneath a picture of Ms Donald embracing Ms Sturgeon, she once wrote: “The current and future First Minister of Scotland”.
“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”.
A Social Security Scotland spokesman added: “We do not comment on any active fraud investigations.
“It would not be appropriate to discuss individual cases or to confirm whether an individual had been investigated”.
