ALBA’S Chris McEleny is set to return to Scotland to fight a council by-election in “honour” of the former first minister Alex Salmond after Labour refused to suspend their campaign.

McEleny had paused his campaign for the Gourock by-election on Saturday to travel to North Macedonia immediately after the announcement of the death of Salmond.

The Gourock Councillor, who is the Alba Party’s general secretary, previously paid tribute to his “dear friend and father-like figure”.

He said he believes the former first minister would have been the first person to tell him “to get home and win” and has decided to fly back to Scotland and continue his election efforts.

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Despite McEleny’s close relationship with Salmond the Labour Party chose not to suspend their campaign.

It is believed that the SNP, Conservatives and Reform UK have all suspended their campaigns in the wake of Salmond’s death and in recognition of McEleny travelling to North Macedonia to offer support.

“On discussing with our party chair – who will remain in North Macedonia with her husband to offer any support required – and with the family at the front of my mind, I am returning home,” McEleny said.

“It is not for me to say what Alex’s wishes would have been but he would’ve been the first person to tell me to get home and win.

“I am thankful to those candidates that chose to suspend their campaigns out of respect. The Labour Party are entitled to do what they think is right for them in their decision to continue with their campaign over the past days whilst we have been grieving.

“Alex Salmond’s legacy to Scotland is immeasurable and there will be those that say we won’t win. But I will fight to do so in his honour, and my campaign to do so will highlight the issues Alex was due to campaign for when he visited Gourock.”

McEleny confirmed he will recommence his campaign this weekend.