SNP faces internal split and tough choices over independence strategy as conference internal divide deepens

The SNP's independence drive is fracturing from within, as the party confronts a deepening internal divide over strategy that leadership cannot easily paper over after its Edinburgh conference. New polling has undermined John Swinney's independence claims, while more than 50 branches backed a rival strategy motion that party chiefs blocked from even reaching the conference floor — with a breakaway meeting of fed-up activists held in a separate Aberdeen hotel in a rare show of open dissent.

Former SNP policy convener Toni Giugliano told the rebel gathering the party has spent 12 years 'fixating on Westminster' instead of winning over sceptical Scots.

The blocked motion had argued that undecided voters hold unresolved concerns over currency, pensions, mortgages and household finances — warnings the leadership refused to debate.

Party national secretary Alex Kerr cast the deciding vote to reject the rebel amendment, with one SNP member privately telling reporters their confidence in the leadership was simply 'meh'.