Nicola Sturgeon backs SNP's new independence strategy

Nicola Sturgeon has given her full backing to the SNP's new independence strategy.

The former first minister spoke to reporters as she arrived at the party's conference in Aberdeen.

Her plan to use the next general election as a de facto referendum was ditched by delegates in a vote on Sunday.

First Minister Humza Yousaf instead favoured a strategy based on winning a majority of seats.

Ms Sturgeon, who stepped down as first minister in March, received a round of applause from party members as she arrived at conference venue.

• SNP backs Humza Yousaf's independence plan

• Can SNP's independence plan change union's future?

"I believed I'd given it my all in moving the country to independence but that I had taken it as far as I could," she told reporters.

The ex-party leader added she was giving her "full unequivocal support" to the new independence strategy.

She said she had been watching the conference "from afar" and denied taking attention away from her successor.

"I don't think there is any doubt from what I've seen about who is in charge of this conference and it's Humza Yousaf," Ms Sturgeon said.

Nicola Sturgeon arrived at the conference on Monday afternoon

Following the SNP's heavy defeat to Labour in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, she urged the party to keep "making the connection" between independence and people's priorities, adding that the party had to "remember and remind people" why it had won so many elections.

Earlier, Mr Yousaf said he was "delighted" his predecessor was coming to the conference and dismissed suggestions she was upstaging him.

He told reporters Ms Sturgeon had "every right" to be at the event and predicted she would get a "lot of love" from members who would be "really excited to see her".

The first minister added that he spoke to the former party chief "regularly".

Ms Sturgeon was arrested in June amid an investigation into SNP finances. She was released without charge and has denied any wrongdoing.

Asked if she had spoken to the police again since then, she replied: "No".

First Minister Humza Yousaf has ditched his predecessor's independence strategy

After the Supreme Court ruled the Scottish Parliament could not legislate for a referendum without Westminster's consent, Ms Sturgeon announced plans to use the next general election as a de facto vote on independence.

Under the proposal, a majority of votes cast for the SNP would provide a mandate to begin talks with the UK government about Scotland leaving the union.

But Mr Yousaf rejected that approach during a debate on the party's independence strategy at conference on Sunday.

It was agreed a majority of votes for the SNP at the next general election, which is expected to be held next year, would spark independence negotiations with Westminster and a push for a second referendum.

An amendment passed by delegates stated that if the UK government continued to refuse to accept demands for a second referendum, or to transfer powers to Holyrood to be able to stage one, the SNP should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto vote.

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy MSP said: "Nicola Sturgeon's presence at the SNP conference has only upstaged Humza Yousaf and undermined his attempts to try and stamp his authority on his party."

Nicola Sturgeon may no longer be the leader of the SNP, but she's still a fan favourite in the party. There was applause from activists as she entered the conference lobby to take questions from journalists.

Upon taking her front-row seat in the conference hall, after a standing ovation, activists were treated to a video tribute of some of her highlights as party leader.

Humza Yousaf denied that Ms Sturgeon's arrival would overshadow his first conference as leader. He seems relaxed enough about this predecessor's presence.

Some in the SNP feel that many of the party's current issues stem from the time that Ms Sturgeon was in charge. But judging by her arrival, she's still adored by party activists.

One aide, in advance of her arrival, told me Ms Sturgeon sees the SNP as her family. It was a warm welcome that obviously touched the former leader.