SNP Leadership contest 2004

'It's a very good turnout, and higher than other political parties have had, which is testament to the debate we have had over the summer.' Roseanna Cunningham, 1 st September 2004.

Late voting surge gives 80% final turnout in SNP contest

By Tom Gordon, Scottish Political Correspondent, in the Herald, 1 st September 2004

A LAST-MINUTE surge produced a final turnout of almost 80% in the SNP leadership contest.

By the time the two-week postal ballot closed at noon yesterday, more than 6500 of the SNP's 8200 members had returned their papers in the party's first one-member-one-vote election.

The figure should dispel fears that the new leader would be undermined by a poor mandate. Turnout was hovering around 50% barely a week ago.

After his unexpected entry into the race and a gruelling hustings campaign, Alex Salmond, the former party leader, is widely expected to beat Michael Russell and Roseanna Cunningham for leader when the results are announced on Friday morning.

Nicola Sturgeon, Mr Salmond's running mate, is a narrow favourite for deputy leader and de facto Holyrood leader, beating Christine Grahame and Fergus Ewing. Dr Alasdair Allan, SNP national secretary, said turnout for the leadership vote was 79.4%, and 79.2% for the deputy leadership.

"This was our first ever election using one member one vote and it has caused a good deal of excitement. It shows democracy and debate in the party is very much alive and kicking, and members are looking forward to getting out and about with a new leader and deputy and campaigning for independence."

In a joint statement, Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon said: "Those who predicted a low turnout have been left with egg on their faces. This is a historic moment for the SNP, and John Swinney deserves the utmost praise for introducing one-member-one-vote. SNP members have jumped at the chance to have their voices heard."

Ms Cunningham added: "It's a very good turnout, and higher than other political parties have had, which is testament to the debate we have had over the summer."