Alex Salmond closes crowdfunder as it tops £100,000

Alex Salmond has closed his controversial crowd-funding campaign after it raised more than £100,000.

The former First Minister, facing sexual harassment claims, issued a “special thank you” to his 4,100 supporters who contributed cash to fund a legal challenge he has mounted..

The money will be used to fund Salmond’s judicial review of process used by the the Scottish Government to investigate sexual harassment claims made against him.

Salmond denies all claims of harassment.

Alex Salmond has closed his crowdfunder.

He said in a statement: A special thank you to everyone who contributed and left such kind messages.

The petition for Judicial Review has now been served and all of you helped make that possible. We have now closed the fund with double the amount aimed for raised in double quick time.

“Every penny of surplus funds, which will be substantial in the event of a successful Judicial Review, will be distributed to good causes in Scotland and beyond.”

The fund has been criticised by opponents who say Salmond is wealthy enough to afford his own legal representatives and say it is inappropriate given the nature of the allegations.

Nicola Sturgeon even urged her followers on social media to support a separate crowdfunding campaign for women’s aid which is seeking to overturn the rape clause south of the border.

But senior SNP figures, including the MSP and party treasuer Colin Beattie, are among those who contributed to the fund.