The SNP was in fighting mood at its annual conference in Perth with much of the battleground constitutional.
Nicola Sturgeon, in an excellent speech, broadened the horizons with childcare and health policy but the biggest cheers came when the blinkers stayed on and rallying cries for independence were made.
Although that satisfied indeed energised the home crowd, it will be how Scotland is governed away from the prism of leaving the UK which should define the new party leader’s reign.
Expect a cabinet reshuffle late next week as the first steps are taken, with rumours that Kenny MacAskill is ready to jump even if he’s not pushed and the smart money being on John Swinney providing the safe pair of hands as Deputy First Minister.
It makes sense for the Perth and North Perthshire MSP to take the title. He’s a respected and renowned operator. It could even pave the way for Derek Mackay to start a Finance Secretary apprenticeship.
Whoever ends up in the big jobs needs to focus 100% on ways they can improve their brief. They don’t have to stop believing, but independence can no longer be priority number one for the SNP in government.
