SNP members double since independence referendum

Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. The SNP has seen a surge in its membership numbers since Thursday. Picture: Jane Barlow

More than 26,000 new members have joined the party since last Thursday’s historic ballot, in which Scotland voted to stay part of the United Kingdom.

The debate over the country’s future sparked massive interest in politics across the country.

• Live blog on the Scottish independence referendum, with news, pictures, tweets and much more from around Scotland and further afield

Prior to the referendum the party had 25,642 members, but by 4pm today that had increased to 52,034.

SNP chiefs have claimed their membership now outstrips that of the Liberal Democrats across the UK, making them the third largest political party.

Derek Mackay, the SNP business convener, said: “These incredible figures are absolutely inspiring.”

He said the rise in membership shows that it is “the SNP the people of Scotland trust to work in the best interests of Scotland”.

Mr Mackay continued: “We are now the third largest party in the UK - overtaking the Lib Dems, who are clearly suffering from the effects of going into coalition with the Tories.

“The buoyancy of the SNP in recent days also stands in stark contrast with the other Westminster parties - with the whispering campaign against Johann Lamont starting in earnest, and the Tories confirming cuts to Scotland’s budget for which they will pay a heavy price at the ballot box.”

He went on: “Labour in particular have much to fear from this new wave of democratic engagement - the Labour heartlands which voted Yes will never forget Johann Lamont’s alliance with the Tories in the No campaign, which is perhaps why SNP support now stands at 49% according to the latest Survation poll.

“It is this new democratic engagement sweeping Scotland which will hold Westminster to account on the vow of more powers - the same old politics as usual from Westminster just won’t cut it.

“Westminster has to deliver the substantial new powers we need to make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous place - anything less would be an insult to the people of Scotland who voted for change in incredible numbers.”