Nicola Sturgeon’s speech to SNP conference suggests she’s playing a long game

If Nicola Sturgeon is not the only star in the nationalist firmament, she remains the only one that can be relied upon to shine brightly. The SNP’s conference in Aberdeen this weekend reminded us of that fact. Angus Robertson commands a measure of respect but not even he would claim to be loved by the party. Nicola Sturgeon hasn’t always been either; she is now. And there was a reason—or, rather, many reasons—why Alex Salmond as denied the chance to address delegates from the conference stage. Yesterday’s man is considered an unfortunate embarrassment these days.

And Sturgeon’s speech began well. ‘Our job is not to talk to each other’ she said. Rather, it was to speak to those Scots—the majority as measured by the 2014 referendum—who are not already within the independence fold. ‘My speech is not aimed at you’ she told delegates before, rather unfortunately, delivering a speech largely aimed at those who already believe in Nicola Sturgeon.