SNP reveals number of members eligible to vote on leadership much lower than estimated

Membership of 72,186 announced after sustained pressure to release figures

The Scottish National party has revealed that the total number of members eligible to vote in its leadership contest has fallen to 72,186 - a significantly reduced total than previously estimated - after coming under sustained pressure to release its membership figures.

Two of the three candidates to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader have recently questioned the integrity of the ballot process, prompting accusations of baseless smears" and Trumpian" behaviour.