He was the future once – and John Swinney wants you to know he’s tomorrow’s man again.

“I am just getting started.

“When I lead the SNP into the election next year, I will be seeking my own mandate from the people of Scotland.

“A mandate to fundamentally transform our country for the long term.”

That was his message to the SNP faithful in a speech carefully designed both to rouse party loyalists but also speak directly to Scots outside the room if he wants to return to Bute House after May.

It was also a script for party members. This what you can expect to hear from your local SNP candidate as they seek to persuade voters.

So while the idea of independence was woven through his more than 40-minute address, it........

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