Jim Sillars

James Sillars is a leading figure in the campaign for independence. Sillars served as a Labour Party MP for South Ayrshire from 1970 to 1976. He founded and led the pro-Scottish Home Rule Scottish Labour Party in 1976, continuing as MP for South Ayrshire until he lost the seat in 1979. He joined the Scottish National Party in 1980 and later served as MP for Glasgow Govan after winning a by-election in 1988, and was Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party. he has been critical of the current SNP leadership, particularly over the lack of progress with respect to independence, the prosecution of Alex Salmond and the subsequent, failed, inquiry over the role and conduct of the Scottish government. He now publicly backs the Alba Party as the best way to revitalise the campaign to gain independence.