There were not one, but two standing ovations for Scottish Labour’s new leader ahead of his first set piece speech to supporters.
It was reminiscent of the unquestioning, rapturous welcome which greets the SNP’s top team. Fewer people by quite a bit mind, but it has to start somewhere.
A warm reception from the faithful is not what Jim Murphy wants to steal from Scotland’s party of government, though. First he’s after the Saltire, then the mantle of standing up for those most in need.
“Supporting Labour is a patriotic choice,” he said. He knows the SNP is seen as always putting Scotland first and Labour was badly damaged in that regard by both the referendum and appearing to kowtow to UK HQ diktats.
That’s why Ed Miliband was apparently frozen out of the Scottish party taking full control over its own affairs. That’s why an old Scotland football top was dug out for a weekend run for the cameras. To distance himself from the “branch office” picture of Scotland painted by his predecessor, Johann Lamont.
On the second point, he wants a “restless anger” about disparities in education, life expectancy and opportunity. He’s talking the talk but will it be followed through? He’s seemingly still not even got a way into Holyrood figured out.
Murphy was on jovial form, joking with members and new deputy Kezia Dugdale. He won over the room with ease, charm and vision. Scotland’s electorate will be an altogether tougher nut to crack.