John Swinney declares the campaign for a second independence referendum 'has already begun' with a six-figure SNP war chest
The First Minister's spokesman admitted just £100,000 will be spent initially on the 'Choose Scotland' drive, calling it 'the start'. John Swinney's voice quivered in Aberdeen as he said his 15-year-old son Matthew was his reason for fighting. His autocue then stalled, and he muttered 'oh, come on'. He also took a swipe at Andy Burnham: 'Scotland is no city. We are no region.'
Swinney made no mention of jailed former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell in his 34-minute speech.
SNP membership has fallen to around 51,000, down from a peak of 125,000 in 2019.
The party still carries a £60,000 loan from Murrell, who admitted embezzling £400,310.
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The TelegraphSwinney: Scottish referendum campaign has already begunBBC News - ScotlandSwinney's emotional explanation for his commitment to independenceThe IndependentEmotional John Swinney says he'll deliver Scottish independence for teenage sonThe GuardianSNP says campaign for next referendum on independence ‘has already begun’Evening StandardJohn Swinney tells SNP conference of drive to deliver independence for his sonDaily RecordJohn Swinney ignores Peter Murrell elephant in the room in SNP conference speechThe ScotsmanSwinney's 'sophisticated' Choose Scotland campaign shows indy is push treading waterThe HeraldJohn Swinney says stars are aligning but support for independence remains stuckThe HeraldJohn Swinney says the campaign for Scottish independence has already begun
