A renewed drive for independence at expense of all else

The SNP if anything, even keener on high-tax, low-growth policies — has even less to offer.

- Rachael Hamilton

SECRETIVE: First Minister spoke little of policy but much on drive for independence

PARTY conference season has drawn to a close, not that most people will care.

That's fair enough. It normally doesn’t, and shouldn’t, mean much to anyone who isn’t a committed party activist.

It’s different, though, when these shindigs happen in the run-up to an election.

The atmosphere becomes less like an office party, and more of a shop window.

With less than eight months to go until the next Holyrood vote, this has been a chance for parties to set out their stall, let the voters know what they stand for and present policies that will make a difference and, they hope, attract support.

Kemi Badenoch and Russell Findlay did just that at the Conservative Party conference.

There was a clear focus on the need for economic growth not just because it creates jobs and puts money in people's pockets, but because it's essential for the things that really matter.

The NHS, schools, policing, defence, pensions, welfare services and social care they all need to be paid for, and it's only a sound economy that makes that possible.