AS polling stations closed across the country SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has thanked her party’s activists for a “phenomenal” election campaign.

The First Minister said: “I send my heartfelt thanks to every SNP activist, candidate, councillor, elected politician, and party worker for their magnificent efforts during this campaign.

“I’m always immensely grateful for the unstinting energy and commitment of my party’s activists and this campaign has been no exception – their efforts have been nothing short of phenomenal.

“Spearheaded by our brilliant campaign director Kelly Parry and underpinned by hugely positive local manifestos, our activists have been warmly received on doorsteps the length and breadth of the country as they campaigned for every vote.

“I could not be prouder of the shift they put in spreading the positive vision our candidates have presented for their communities.

“Over the campaign there has been a growing sense on the doorsteps that the people of Scotland – sickened by appalling Downing Street sleaze, corruption and law breaking – are keen to show the Tories the door.

“Every vote cast for a strong SNP candidate has sent a message of disgust to Boris Johnson that he must do more to help families on the cost of living crisis he created.

“And when all the votes are counted, every SNP councillor elected will strain every sinew to deliver on the SNP’s vision for our country and local communities.”