A candidate in the SNP deputy leadership race is calling for all new members to have a vote in the contest.
Angela Constance, minister for youth employment, wants a radical overhaul of membership rules to allow a greater voice for the “grassroots”.
It follows a huge increase in SNP membership, which has seen numbers surge from 25,000 to 77,000 since the independence referendum.
Under current rules only those who joined before September 23 will be allowed to vote in the deputy leadership contest.
Ms Constance has written to SNP HQ asking that the cutoff be extended to the close of nominations for deputy leader on October 15.
She said: “Tens of thousands of new members have joined the SNP to continue the campaign for Independence, and they will reinvigorate the SNP.
“It’s imperative that as a party of mass membership we become also a party of mass participation. The voice of the grassroots must always be heard.
“I believe it is important that all members have equal rights and status and should have so from the start of their membership. This depute leadership contest is an important opportunity to debate the future course of our party and everyone should have a say.
“I am very proud of the SNP for remaining a thoroughly democratic party, but now is a good time to revisit how we enable and empower our membership to further the cause of independence.”