Nearly 10,000 SNP Members Leave After Sturgeon's Resignation

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has experienced a significant decline in membership, with nearly 10,000 members leaving in the past year. This drop brings the total membership down to approximately 64,525, a stark contrast to the peak of 125,000 five years ago. The party's reliance on its members for financial support has become increasingly evident, as it grapples with the implications of this mass exodus. Despite returning to a surplus in 2023, with revenues exceeding expenditures by £681,568, the SNP's financial health remains precarious. The surplus was largely achieved by withholding £670,084 from local branches, raising concerns about the party's transparency and financial management. Additionally, the SNP incurred substantial legal fees amounting to £167,505, and it still owes £60,000 to former chief executive Peter Murrell, who faces charges related to fund embezzlement. SNP national treasurer Stuart McDonald acknowledged the impact of declining membership on the party's income, emphasizing that the majority of their financial resources come from members and supporters. The party's net assets improved to £441,939, compared to net liabilities of £219,929 the previous year. However, the accounts reveal that a significant portion of the income from legacies, totaling £274,408, has yet to be received, raising further questions about the party's financial stability. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie criticized the SNP's financial situation, stating that the party is in "financial chaos" and suggesting that public perception of the SNP as a competent governing body has deteriorated.