Scottish National Party candidate under investigation over alleged benefit fraud

In an infamous incident in 2022, Ms Donald 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 MP 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.

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.

In a statement, Ms 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".

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 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”.

Scottish Tory social security spokesman Alexander Stewart 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".

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".

GB News has approached Sally Donald for comment.