Humza Yousaf‘s “skint” SNP is struggling to operate as a serious political party after spending just £750 on Facebook ads this year, a Scottish Labour MSP has claimed.
Compared with Labour and the Conservatives, the SNP’s spend on Meta’s social media site has all but dried up, highlighting claims the Nationalists are facing a cash crisis.
The SNP spent just £738 on a few adverts, according to the Daily Record, with some focused more on former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, rather than current incumbent, Mr Yousaf.
An online trends website which tracks spending on Facebook shows the SNP’s Trossachs and Teith branch spent £420 on ads, one of which criticised media coverage of Ms Sturgeon.
This compares to the two main country-wide parties forking out more than £1.5million between them.
Scottish Daily Express has previously revealed the SNP has seen large donations plummet under Mr Yousaf’s leadership amid an ongoing police probe into SNP finances.
Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, Jackie Baillie MSP, suggested the figures showed the SNP was not “serious about speaking to the people of Scotland and engaging with their concerns”.
She added: “As the SNP’s financial woes continue, it is clear they are struggling to operate seriously as a political party.”
Trossachs and Teith’s Sturgeon ad said: “If the appalling comments made by Unionist politicians and media ‘pundits’ about Nicola Sturgeon have annoyed you, a good way to respond is – join The SNP.
“It’s very easy, not expensive and shows the naysayers what we feel.”
It came after Ms Sturgeon was arrested in connection with an investigation into SNP funding and finances.
The former First Minister was questioned by police and released without charge.
Another ad promoted Ms Sturgeon’s appearance at a Burns event, saying: “A standing ovation and a full house for our guest speaker, Nicola Sturgeon, with a rousing toast to Scotland. A wonderful start to campaigning in 2024.”
SNP Pentlands West spent £345 while MSP Fiona Hyslop forked out £18 for an advert about a local train station.
According to the records quoted by the Scottish Daily Express, the SNP has spent nothing with Meta on national messages.
Some SNP supporters have said the Nationalists’ reach on social media is “organic” and the party has won votes in the past despite spending less than rival parties.
SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said: “In Scotland, over the last six years the SNP has run the most effective Facebook ads campaigns on a cost per voter and cost per seat basis.
“Unlike our main political rivals, the SNP’s digital campaigns continue to be powered by our members and supporters who make sure our message reaches voters.
“Ultimately, no amount of money or campaigning will be able to cover up the damage the Westminster parties have caused people across Scotland.”
