SNP CONFERENCE

Sturgeon ‘bows to nobody’ on commitment, says new deputy

The SNP’s new deputy leader told restless activists that Nicola Sturgeon “bows to nobody” when it comes to her devotion to independence.

Keith Brown, a former Royal Marine commando based in Angus, was revealed as Ms Sturgeon’s second in command at the party’s conference in Aberdeen yesterday.

Amid tensions in the party over Indyref2 timing, the economy secretary reaffirmed his boss’s commitment to secession.

Yes supporters have been demanding Ms Sturgeon pulls the trigger on a new vote, but the SNP leader is waiting until autumn at the earliest to outline her plans.

Mr Brown backed the first minister after her approval rating dipped into the negative for the first time in a YouGov poll for The Times.

“In case there was any doubt at all, she bows to nobody in her commitment to an independent Scotland,” he said.

“I’ve seen for myself obviously at very close proximity in cabinet that she dedicates her every efforts, every day to furthering the interests of everyone in Scotland.”

Pete Wishart, the Perthshire SNP MP, had to abandon his deputy leadership bid when he was slated by large sections of the pro-independence movement for his gradualist approach to Indyref2.

Mr Brown defeated activist Julie Hepburn and Councillor Chris McEleny in the members’ vote.

At the launch of his deputy leadership bid in April he backed the prospect of Indyref2 within a year.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with the party’s deputy leader, Keith Brown, at the SNP spring conference at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.