SNP conference in Glasgow sees empty seats and no Sturgeon

The recent SNP conference held in Glasgow marked a significant decline in attendance and enthusiasm compared to previous years. In 2018, the party boasted 125,500 members and filled the main theatre at the SEC venue with a vibrant crowd. However, this year's event saw a stark contrast, with the main hall at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, which has a capacity of just 1,500, experiencing a noticeable lack of attendees. Internal scandals, electoral defeats, and a significant drop in membership have contributed to this decline, with numbers nearly halving in recent years. The absence of key figures, including former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, further highlighted the party's struggles. Sturgeon, who once inspired hope for Scottish independence, was notably missing from the conference, leaving many party members feeling disillusioned. A photograph taken during Finance Secretary Shona Robison's address illustrated the apathy within the party, as nearly half of the seats appeared empty. Former First Minister Humza Yousaf also chose to focus on his constituency rather than attend the conference, which may have contributed to the sense of abandonment felt by attendees. Long-time party members expressed their disappointment, noting that this was the first time they had witnessed empty seats during a main speaker's address, which they described as a depressing sign of the party's current state. Overall, the conference served as a reflection of the SNP's challenges, with dwindling membership and internal strife casting a shadow over what was once a powerful political force in Scotland.