THE UK government would not ignore an electoral mandate for independence, according to newly elected Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill.

Mr MacAskill made the remarks just 24 hours after winning the race to succeed his lifelong friend Alex Salmond following his death in October last year, garnering 1,331 votes to Alba MSP Ash Regan’s 1,212.

While the victory was soured by Ms Regan refusing to speak at Thursday’s announcement, and by defeated deputy leader candidate Chris McEleny threatening legal action, Mr MacAskill called for unity among a “wider independence movement” he hoped to now mobilise.