SNP Leadership Proposes Staff Reductions at Headquarters

The Scottish National Party’s governing body has put forward a proposal to reduce the workforce at its central office by over one-third, decreasing the total from 26 to 16. This plan to “streamline” staffing received approval from the party’s national executive committee (NEC) during a Saturday meeting. A program for voluntary redundancies has since been initiated. Councillor Alex Kerr, the national secretary, stated that this action is intended to “protect the long-term finances of the party.” This disclosure coincides with the party’s strategic reorientation towards the 2026 Holyrood election. The SNP, which has held power since 2007, is confronting a revitalized Labour Party. The Labour Party notably expanded its representation in Scottish seats at Westminster, rising from one to 37 during the general election held this summer. Mr. Kerr stated: “The national executive committee has been tasked with delivering a modern, dynamic election-winning party to win in 2026 and beyond – and today’s agreement to consult on a new structure at headquarters makes key progress to deliver on that aim. The proposal, agreed by the SNP National Executive Committee today, would get HQ into shape for future elections and for the fight for independence. It would mean that not everyone currently employed at HQ will continue with us but a streamlined headquarters protects the long-term finances of the party and delivers on the modern, professional, election-winning organisation Scotland needs.” Mr. Kerr attributed the SNP’s achievements to the efforts of numerous individuals, including staff at the headquarters, members of local campaign teams, and those holding elected positions. He also expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the party’s work and its objective of an independent Scotland. The party experienced a significant setback in the general election held in July, securing only nine Members of Parliament, a sharp decline from the 48 MPs it had in 2019. In addition to forfeiting its standing as the third-largest party at Westminster, the SNP also forfeited a substantial portion of its “short money.” This funding is allocated to opposition parties to facilitate the execution of their parliamentary responsibilities. The previous month, Murray Foote, the SNP’s chief executive, resigned from his position after serving for 14 months. The former newspaper editor stated that he “could not make the necessary personal commitment” required to spearhead a party reorganisation following their unsatisfactory election outcome. Furthermore, the SNP has encountered difficulties in securing significant donations in recent years, depending primarily on membership fees. Despite being Scotland’s largest political party, with June figures indicating 65,000 members, a decline in membership has led to a reduction in its income. The present membership count is approximately half of what it reached after a significant increase subsequent to the 2014 independence referendum. In the current year, 81% of the party’s financial resources were derived from membership fees, a notable increase from just 35% in 2015. That year, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon guided the party to a substantial victory, securing 56 seats in the general election. The financial health of the party has shown recent improvement, with its latest accounts indicating a surplus. Concurrently, a police investigation into the SNP’s financial affairs is in progress. Peter Murrell, the party’s former chief executive and husband of former first minister and ex-SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, has been formally accused of embezzling party funds. The Crown Office is presently evaluating whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue a prosecution against Mr. Murrell, and if such a prosecution would serve the public interest. Nicola Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were also apprehended and subsequently released without charges, as further investigation continues.