 |
| Alex Farquhar SNP candidate 1970 Groundwork for 2012 |
With applications now closed and assessment and selection procedures about to start the party is gearing up for the next electoral contest and the opportunity to make progress towards a better future for all parts of Scotland.
Since the May election the SNP has won two council by-elections, taking control of Aberdeen City Council and seen 5 councillors defect to the party.
Welcoming the numbers the SNP’s business convener Derek Mackay said:
“The enthusiasm across the party membership to play a part in making Scotland a better country at every level is extremely exciting.
“100 days ago people across Scotland voted for a brighter future and for an end to the status quo when they rejected the nay sayers of opposition and backed the SNP’s team and vision for Scotland.
“In the last 100 days voters in Aberdeen have backed the SNP to lead the council as we have won two council by-elections, SNP membership has increased to over 18,000, former Lib Dems are switching to the SNP as the only party that represents their values and now a record number of people have put themselves forward to represent communities and work as part of the SNP’s team.
“When Labour and the Tories are leaderless and directionless and with Lib Dem councillors leaving the party in embarrassment at its closeness to the Tories the SNP is the only party focussing on the concerns of communities across Scotland and taking the first steps toward winning the support of people in all parts of Scotland for our local government candidates.
“We have been overwhelmed by the numbers of people keen and eager to play their part. 100 days after the SNP won the first ever majority in the Scottish Parliament the party is already looking ahead.
“It is hugely encouraging and inspiring to see so many people who have a strong track record in their communities looking to step up and become councillors.
“In just 264 days time Scotland can take the next step and support the election of councillors across the country who will work with the SNP team in government and who share that vision of a better future for all parts of Scotland.”
All applicants will now go through the party’s selection process before becoming council candidates.
The 400 applicants are in addition to the 363 current SNP councillors.
