More than 1,000 members have quit the Scottish Labour party in the last 6 months according to the latest membership data.
Research by The Times claimed Scottish Labour has lost a large number of paying members with division in the party over its Brexit stance and its leadership north and south of the border thought to be factors.
READ MORE: Former deputy leader of Edinburgh Council quits Labour Party
According to the figures obtained exclusively by The Times, more than 1,000 people have left the party since June last year, with a 9% decrease in some areas, such as the Lothians.
Division over the party’s stance on Brexit, handling of complaints against the party, the leadership in Scotland and Jeremy Corbyn’s unwillingness to back a second referendum on EU membership are thought to be significant factors in the reported membership decline across Scotland.
It is understood that half of the fall in membership is in Glasgow constituencies with many suggesting that Richard Leonard’s victory over Anas Sarwar was a factor for many to leave the party.
The report comes following a testing year for Scottish Labour which saw a number of rebellions such as Daniel Johnson, Labour’s justice spokesman, and Kezia Dugdale going against the party to vote for a Holyrood motion in favour of a second ballot.
Susan Dalgety, the former deputy leader of Edinburgh city council and Scottish Labour’s director of communications also took a parting shot at the party as she left citing concerns over leadership and handling of complaints about anti-Semitism.
Speaking as she announced her decision to leave the party Ms Dalgety said: “We should be standing up for the 48% of people across the UK and 62 per cent in Scotland, who voted to stay in Europe. Labour’s current policy on Brexit is as confused as the Tories.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour must put women in the driving seat, says Richard Leonard
“I believe I am not alone in these views, so sadly I am not surprised there has been a big drop off in membership. I am saddened, but not surprised.”
Gordon MacDonald, the SNP MSP said that the Labour Party members were leaving as the party stood for nothing. He told The Times “At every turn, the Labour party has failed to stand up to the Tories over Brexit.
"With Labour floundering in a distant third place in the polls, it’s clear they’re paying a heavy price for letting the Tories trash Scotland’s economy.
“No wonder their members are in despair, and leaving the party in droves.”
Scottish Labour has been contacted over the figures from The Times for comment.
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