SNP membership jumps by 89,460 to over 115,000

MEMBERSHIP of the SNP has surged to more than 115,000, an increase of 89,460 on the number of people in the party when the independence referendum was held on 18 September 2014.

By The Newsroom Wednesday, 17th February 2016, 3:53 pm Updated Wednesday, 17th February 2016, 3:59 pm

The party's membership has swelled since the referendum. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The figures published by the party mean the nationalists are the largest party in Scotland and the third-biggest in the UK, with only Labour and the Conservatives having more members.

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SNP business convener Derek Mackay said the increase in membership was “extraordinary” and showed that the party was well-placed to win a third term in power in May’s Holyrood election.

He said: “The incredible upsurge in SNP membership shows no signs of stopping – with membership now over 115,000, putting the party in a very strong position as we seek to secure the re-election of Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister and a historic third-term in office.