BATTLE FOR BUTE HOUSE
SNP bosses have been forced to reveal a massive slump in their membership after another day of crisis in the party's leadership contest.
The shock figures - kept secret until all three candidates demanded they be released - show the party have lost 31 per cent of their card-carrying supporters since the end of 2021.
The total number of members is down 31,698 from the last published count of 103,884 at the end of 2021, just over 14 months ago.
The drop was described by one SNP MSP last night as "alarming", while candidate Humza Yousaf admitted the decision not to publish the figure sooner was an "own goal".
The membership total was revealed yesterday just hours after Nicola Sturgeon claimed the party was not "in crisis".
It came after candidates Kate Forbes and Ash Regan urged the SNP to appoint an independent auditor to scrutinise the leadership result.
They were joined by fellow leadership hopeful Yousaf on Wednesday in calling for the membership figures to be revealed.
The SNP disclosed the number of members who will effectively decide who becomes the next first minister was 72,186 - or just 1.4 per cent of the population of Scotland.
MSP Michelle Thomson, Forbes's campaign manager, said: "While I'm pleased common sense has prevailed with the publishing of the membership figures, the alarming drop in members shows the party needs a change in direction.
This story is from the March 17, 2023 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 17, 2023 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TILTING, SHAKING ...THEN THE DROP
Brit Geoff dies in plane plunge horror | No warning of drama that injured dozens
COP RAID TRAGEDY
Residents of a quiet estate tell of their shock as woman, 78, dies in incident | Police arrest man, 36, in connection with death after early morning swoop on house
Take me to Eur leader
Carver says return of top pro McGregor is perfect boost after losing Scots trio
TELL ME WHY
Widow’s plea to disgraced Post Office boss
Alarmed & dangerous
Gers stars got a rude awakening from the bells but it kept us sharp for the Lovenkrands final says Ibrox hero Art
FEAR WE GO AGAIN
Staggies face another play-off sweat after they fail to kill off 10-man Dons in Dingwall
I EXPECT A ROVER COASTER
Keeper Kev: We'll enjoy every minute
Brendan built a siege mentality & that's why you can't discount Usual Suspects lifting a double
Hoops boss won't take foot off the gas at Hampden
CRISPS LINK TO MEMORY LOSS
Experts warn junk food could affect brain
ANGELIKA MURDER CHURCH TO CLOSE
Tobin hid student's body under floor