THE SNP are set to trial holding regional assemblies for members, in a bid to keep the grassroots involved.
The role of members and internal party structures was one of the big debates in the SNP’s depute leadership contest this summer.
Announcing the changes agreed at the SNP’s NEC meeting this weekend, the winner of that contest Angus Robertson said the reforms would keep members fully involved in the decision-making process.
There will be at least two meetings of the National Assembly in 2017, as well as the annual conference, spring conference and national council.
The party say they will also offer internal training for members with “opportunities to learn more about how the SNP works, how to campaign, to develop political skills and prepare for a potential candidacy.”
Robertson said: “The SNP has a record number of members who are keen to be fully involved in the development of policy, the decision-making processes of the party and its campaigns.
"We already have a strong grassroots tradition in the SNP and this programme will help provide more opportunities for the involvement of members.
“During the internal election to become Deputy Leader of the SNP, I and the three other candidates all promised to make these kind of changes.
“They were unanimously approved by the National Executive Committee of the SNP and will now come into effect.”
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