The SNP has become Scotland's largest party with nearly 16,000 members after Labour's claims to have 20,000 members were revealed as spin.

In June SNP membership stood at  15,945 as it continues to increase steadily from 10,854 in 2004.

Labour's claim to have 20,000 Scottish members, made at the leadership hustings in June, was exposed when the UK leadership results showed there were only 13,000 members in Scotland.  Nearly 3,000 less than the SNP.

SNP Business Convener Bruce Crawford MSP

“With the SNP now the largest party in Scotland the political tide has really turned.

“Every one of the SNP’s 15,945 members plays their part in our efforts to make Scotland a better country and every one of them is an essential part of the SNP’s success.   Membership of the SNP has continued to increase from our historic election win in 2007 as people across Scotland recognise that it is the SNP that has the values and priorities of the Scottish public at its heart.

"Unfortunately for Iain Gray the publication of the full UK result for Labour’s leadership contest has given the game away. The Scottish Labour leader has been left exposed by this blunder by Labour HQ. Iain Gray was either making membership numbers up or Scottish Labour has lost 7000 members in the last 3 months.  Labour’s new leader is in for a real disappointment.  

 “The SNP's team has worked with people, communities and businesses to put Scotland’s economy, environment, schools and hospitals first, and more and more people have joined the party as a contribution to making Scotland a better country with the full responsibilities of independence.   Responsibilities that will allow us to build a strong economy, properly invest in our young people and deliver better support for our elderly.  

“A new leader should be an opportunity for Labour to leave its con tricks and spin machine behind it.  So far the prospects don’t look good.”