The SNP’s ruling body has put forward a plan to reduce the number of staff at its headquarters from 26 to 16. This decision was made during a meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) held on Saturday. The proposal aims to streamline the staffing structure, and a voluntary redundancy scheme has been initiated.
The party faced a significant setback in the recent general election, losing many MPs and ending up with only nine seats. This defeat not only impacted its position as the third-largest party in British politics but also resulted in a substantial reduction in Short money, which is crucial for opposition parties to carry out their parliamentary duties.
In addition, the SNP has been facing challenges in securing substantial donations in recent years, leading to a heavier reliance on membership fees due to its status as Scotland’s largest party. Membership fees accounted for 81% of the party’s funding this year, a significant increase from 35% in 2015 when the party won 56 seats under Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership.
Councillor Alex Kerr, the party’s national secretary, emphasized the need to transform the SNP into a modern, dynamic, and election-winning organization to secure victory in the 2026 elections and beyond. The proposed restructuring at headquarters is seen as a critical step towards achieving this goal, ensuring the party is well-prepared for future elections and the ongoing fight for independence.
While the proposed staff reduction may result in some employees not continuing with the party, a streamlined headquarters is seen as essential for safeguarding the party’s long-term financial stability and building a professional and successful organization. Kerr expressed gratitude to all those who contribute to the party’s efforts to achieve independence for Scotland, highlighting the collective work of individuals at the party HQ, local campaign teams, and elected officials.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Holyrood election, the SNP is gearing up to defend its position in Scotland against a resurgent Labour Party. Despite recent fluctuations in poll numbers, the SNP remains focused on maintaining its influence and securing electoral success in the upcoming election. The party’s commitment to delivering on its core objective of independence for Scotland remains unwavering, underlining the importance of strategic decisions such as the proposed staff reduction at headquarters.