John Swinney told the SNP conference that he would unite Scotland around independence which he said is "urgent and essential" as he sought to boost his party's morale following its devastating defeat at the general election.

The First Minister ramped up the case for his party's founding goal as he closed the three day event at the Edinburgh International Conference.

It was his first speech as leader to the annual conference since he succeeded Humza Yousaf as First Minister in May following Mr Yousaf's resignation after the collapse of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens. 

His speech underlining the urgency of independence appeared to contrast with the tone of his colleague Westminster leader Stephen Flynn's speech on Saturday when he urged members to be patient.

"One of the conclusions I have drawn from the Westminster election, and a fundamental commitment I will make to you is this: never again will we go into an election with people thinking: I like the idea of independence, but that can wait because I’m more concerned about the economy, or my job, or the cost of living or the NHS," he said.

"My promise to you is that I will make sure independence is understood as the route to a stronger and fairer country.
 
"Understood not as nice to have – but as urgent and essential here and now. That is how we will make independence happen.
 
"So my leadership is about earning the right to be heard – by delivering on the public’s priorities.
 
"It’s about people, prosperity, public services and the planet. Staying true to our values amid Westminster austerity. Total faith in Scottish democracy."

First Minister John Swinney addressing SNP conference (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

During the 40 minute speech Mr Swinney repeatedly attacked Labour arguing that Sir Keir Starmer's party was adopting an economic policy of austerity since winning power at Westminster in July despite pre election promises not to do so.

The First Minister will deliver his programme for government on Wednesday when he sets out what his ministers plan to achieve in the new parliamentary year at Holyrood.

It will be unveiled the day after his finance secretary Shona Robison will announce a swathe of public sector cuts, reportedly as much as £600m.

With reducing child poverty a key priority for the First Minister, his address to SNP conference suggested there would be help for families on low incomes.

"Next week I will set out our programme for government, building on the SNP record, building on our beliefs that investing in our people, our public services and our planet is the means to building prosperity for all," he said.

First Minister John Swinney addressing SNP conference on Sunday. (Image: Jane Barlow)
 
"In an era of Westminster cuts, we are going to have to work harder, and smarter, if we are to deliver on our ambitions for Scotland.
 
"But this party has never been afraid to work hard in pursuit of a better Scotland. That is what we all came into politics to do.
  
"So next week, I will set out how we can tailor support better to families ensuring they get the help they need, when they need it, to lift those families out of poverty."

Earlier in his address Mr Swinney told how he would put the party on a better footing in terms of professionalism and organisation ahead of the Holyrood election in 2026, where polling suggests it will face a challenge from Labour for power.

With many in the party still in shock with the election result, when it lost 39 MPs to win just nine seats, he addressed the defeat and said lessons were being learnt.

"July 4 was clearly an incredibly tough night for the SNP. So many great colleagues lost their seats and I want to thank them for their service to their communities and to our country," he said.
 
"We’ve reflected as a party – and we are learning the lessons of that election. But today, I want to talk about how we are going to go forward to a better future."

Addressing the party faithful, he said: "You are the people who knock the doors, make the calls, stuff the envelopes, click the keyboards nowadays.
 
"The people who turn up innocently to a local branch meeting and find yourself leaving as an office-bearer.
 
"The people who campaign enthusiastically – even in the worst weather that Scotland can throw at you - for the great cause that binds us together.
 
"All of you deserve the most professional, modern, dynamic election-winning organisation.
 
"And hear me when I say this: that is what I am going to deliver so we win in 2026."

Responding to Mr Swinney's speech at SNP conference, Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie MSP said: “John Swinney's attempt at self-reflection rings hollow while the SNP is continuing to dodge responsibility for its record in government.  

"Instead, it was a copy-paste speech from a First Minister out-of-ideas and more focussed on holding together his divided party than facing up to the challenges Scots face.

“The SNP’s cynical and dishonest election campaign was rejected by Scottish voters, but it is still sticking to the same script.

“It’s time for the SNP to wake up to the scale of the challenges facing Scotland on its watch – from record NHS waiting lists to a stagnant economy to a growing attainment gap.

 “Year after year we have heard the same warm words from the SNP, but the spiral of decline continues.

“Scotland deserves better than this out-of-touch and incompetent SNP government – and Scottish Labour is ready to deliver change."

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said: “John Swinney is fooling nobody with his desperate attempt to blame anyone but the SNP for the savage cuts and tax rises his government is imposing.

“His pitiful speech lacked any sort of substance and failed to address the huge black hole in Scotland’s finances which has been created by the SNP’s own incompetence and decision-making.

“He has a nerve to bang the drum about wanting a less polarised national debate when all he spoke about was his determination to stoke up division by breaking up the UK.

“It’s no surprise that throughout the SNP’s woeful three-day conference, they failed to discuss their biggest failures in office such as education and transport.

“Despite receiving record block grants from Westminster, the SNP have run our public services into the ground and saddled Scots with the highest taxes in the UK while ditching universal winter fuel payments and pushing ahead with a wide array of other devastating cuts.

“That is why the public must remove the SNP at the next Scottish Parliament election in 18 months.”