Sturgeon Takes Over As Leader

Nicola Sturgeon has taken the reigns from Alex Salmond to become SNP Leader.

Addressing party members at the annual conference in Perth, she described leading the party as a 'privilege'.

Ms Sturgeon will deliver her main speech tomorrow, but she took to the stage briefly:

Meanwhile, Stewart Hosie is the new deputy leader of the SNP.

The Treasury spokesman MP replaces Nicola Sturgeon and beat MSPs Keith Brown and Angela Constance for the position.

During his acceptance speech, he had one issue on his mind:

Stewart Hosie also said:
 
"Over the last weeks and months our party has enjoyed a vibrant, energetic depute leadership campaign which has been a privilege to be part of – and the unity of purpose amongst all the candidates is testament to the strength of the vision for Scotland which runs throughout our party.
 
“To be elected Depute Leader of Scotland’s national party is an incredible honour – and I am very grateful that the party members have put their faith in me to work alongside Nicola Sturgeon to continue our party’s astonishing progress.
 
"Nicola has been an extraordinary Depute Leader over the last ten years.  Following her will be a massive task, but is a challenge I am relishing.
 
"Our main focus as a party and a government must be to build a stronger economy which works for everyone in Scotland – creating more and better jobs and tackling the inequality which successive Westminster governments have allowed to grow for far too long.
 
"In that task we will use every policy lever currently at our disposal and will work to ensure that the additional powers we need to create a stronger economy and a fairer society are in Scotland’s hands – holding the Westminster parties to account on their Vow of extensive new powers for Scotland.  Powers we need not for their own sake – but powers for a purpose, to deliver prosperity for all our citizens.
 
"The referendum campaign changed Scotland forever - people across the country simply aren’t willing to return to the same old politics as usual from the Westminster establishment.  We will ensure that the powers Scotland was promised during the referendum are delivered in full– or the Westminster parties will pay a heavy price at the ballot box.
 
"The referendum campaign unleashed a new wave of confidence in Scotland, and with our soaring membership and Nicola Sturgeon engaging with people at public events across the country, the SNP is uniquely placed to harness this unprecedented level of engagement.
                                                                                                  
"As we move forward into next year's General Election this new spirit of engagement, confidence and positivity puts our party in a fantastic position to deliver a strong team of MPs, which will leave the Westminster establishment with absolutely no hiding place on their vow of more powers."

First Minister Alex Salmond will address the conference this afternoon.

He's expected to reaffirm his belief that Scotland will become an independent nation one day in the future.

Mr Salmond announced he was stepping down in September following defeat in the independence referendum.