THE SNP will restore a key policymaking body for party members this summer as well as hold a special indy convention to discuss the way forward on holding a referendum.
Details of the conference, which will be held on June 24 at Caird Hall in Dundee, were announced after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Saturday.
It was also agreed that the National Council – which was abolished in 2018 – would be brought back, with the first session expected to take place in August.
The council has traditionally met in between the party’s conferences to discuss policy positions on a range of issues and act as a “bridge” between members and the leadership.
SNP policy convener Toni Giugliano said: “It is a huge opportunity to put members back in the driving seat of our internal democracy, this will strengthen internal democracy and increase the policymaking opportunities for members.
“It will be an opportunity for members to scrutinise leadership, to put forward proposals for policy and for members to engage on the strategic and future direction of the party.
“It is a big win for the grassroots, as is the convention.”
The special independence convention replaces the “democracy” conference which was due to take place in March but was postponed following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.
It will be attended by party members, along with First Minister Humza Yousaf and the party’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “The SNP, under the leadership of Humza Yousaf, are laser-focused on ensuring the people of Scotland have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.”
The SNP NEC also agreed the party’s annual conference will be held from October 15-17 at the Hilton TECA Hotel in Aberdeen.
