SNP’s conference gets underway
The Scottish National Party’s annual conference has opened today in Inverness with activists hoping it will provide a boost to their election hopes.
Returning leader Alex Salmond says that the party is “on the march” and will be seeking to capitalise on the showcasing of the party’s agenda.
Alex Salmond was overwhelmingly elected to a second stint as party leader two weeks ago with 75 per cent of the vote.
He is not due to address the conference until Friday, but speaking on the eve of the conference – the movement’s 70th – Mr Salmond said: “The whole Party is looking forward to the Conference this week in great heart. This is our chance to showcase the SNP and what we stand for to the whole of Scotland.
“Since the beginning of the summer, the SNP has not only dominated the news agenda, but has at the same time increased its membership by over 20 per cent. We are on the march, and our new momentum will not only carry us through to progress in next year’s general election, but will lead us to victory in the Scottish election in 2007.”
On the opening day of the conference delegates are likely to debate a wholesale review of existing party policies.
Independence is expected to return to the top of the agenda as is a more left-wing focus on “social justice.”
Deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon, who will be responsible for leading the party in the Scottish Parliament as Mr Salmond is sitting at Westminster, said: “This week will again see the SNP engaging directly with the Scottish people on the real issues which face our country today.
“Now is the moment when the party can seize the agenda. To do so, we will be presenting a programme that is ambitious for Scotland and delivers on the peoples’ priorities.”
Ms Sturgeon is due to make the opening day’s keynote address this afternoon.
