IT’S that time of year again. The SNP conference is nearly upon us, and The National will be there in Aberdeen to bring you every key update, behind-the-scenes looks, and even the odd piece of gossip.
We've been reflecting on last year's coverage to find what you, our readers, felt was most key, to help streamline our focus on 2023’s SNP conference.
So, here is a glimpse of what you can expect from us.
I’m not sure I’m technically allowed to tell you all of this with press embargoes and the like, but our coverage of this year’s SNP conference will really begin even before the conference itself.
Our chief political reporter Judith Duffy has some major interviews lined up to set the scene for what's to come. We’ll be bringing you that inside track over the weekend, so keep your eyes open for it.
If all goes to plan, we will also have a view from Wales with Plaid Cymru’s new leader Rhun ap Iorwert, and a sit-down with Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn late on Sunday to pick his brains about the fall-out from the independence debate.
That independence debate, where the SNP will decide its strategy for the next General Election, is sure to be the big story coming out of the first day of the conference.
READ MORE: Details for debate on SNP independence strategy revealed in conference agenda
Will the party opt to aim for a “most seats” mandate? Or will the leadership’s motion be amended to instead look to a “majority of seats” – or even a “majority of votes”?
Whatever the outcome, The National will bring you the news as it happens.
In fact, we will have a liveblog running for all three days of the SNP conference so that you don’t miss a beat.
We will also have more in-depth stories on the results of some of the key debates from the conference floor, from independence to marine protection to citizenship. Judith has drawn up a list of some of the most important ones to be aware of.
And of course it’s not just the main floor. The conference fringe is sure to be packed with events across all three days. Our political reporter Steph Brawn has pulled together a list of her pick of the choice fringe events (and not just the ones that offer a buffet).
We will of course also bring you the top news lines from the keynote speakers at conference, from SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn’s opening address on day one, to the First Minister’s closing speech.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be a major event – and The National will bring you every detail.
The conference will run from Sunday, October 15 to Tuesday, October 17 at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA).
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