SNP deficit and membership decline

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【Summary】The SNP's deficit rose to over £800,000 in 2022, while membership numbers fell by over 8,600 in the first half of 2023. The party's income dropped and spending increased, resulting in the deficit. The SNP aims to return to surplus in 2023. Membership payments and donations decreased, attributed to concerns about the economy and cost of living. The party's conference income increased, but it still owes a loan of £60,000 to former chief executive Peter Murrell.

FutureCar Staff Aug 24, 2023 10:05 AM PT

The SNP's deficit has grown to over £800,000, according to the latest accounts published by the Electoral Commission. The party's income fell in 2022, and membership numbers decreased by more than 8,600 in the first half of 2023. The SNP's total income dropped to £4,248,625 in 2022, down from £4,529,960 in 2021. With spending amounting to £5,052,284, the party recorded a deficit after tax of £804,278, compared to a deficit of £732,072 in 2021.

The SNP acknowledged that the deficit and balance sheet were in line with previous years when nationwide elections were held, such as the council elections in Scotland in 2022. However, the party emphasized the importance of returning to surplus in 2023 as they prepare for the next general election. The accounts statement highlighted the significance of individual membership income and donations for the party.

The number of SNP members as of June 29, 2023, was 73,936, a decrease from 82,598 at the end of December 2022 and 103,884 at the end of December 2021. The party's income from members also fell from £2,516,854 in 2021 to £2,286,944 in 2022. The accounts attributed this decrease to public concerns about the economy and job security, with the rising cost of living cited as a reason for canceling or lowering membership payments.

Donations and fundraising income also declined in 2022. Income from donations dropped from £695,351 in 2021 to £368,538 in 2022, while fundraising income fell from £437,820 to £384,984. However, the party's conference income increased after Covid restrictions were lifted, rising from £195,526 in 2021 to £515,951 in 2022.

The accounts also revealed that a loan of £60,000 from the party's "executive management" was still outstanding in 2022. Former chief executive Peter Murrell, who is married to Nicola Sturgeon, loaned money to the party. Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy criticized the SNP's financial situation and called for the party to pay off its debt to Murrell. Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie described the SNP as a party in disarray and questioned their ability to handle Scotland's finances.

An SNP spokesperson acknowledged the challenges faced by all political parties in 2022 but expressed the party's determination to balance its accounts in preparation for the Westminster election in 2024.