THE SNP are poised to ditch a longstanding “nationalist” grouping within the party at their upcoming conference.
Members will be asked to back a proposal to rename the Association of Nationalist Councillors (ANC).
Councillors are said to have previously been balloted on the change and backed the new name the Association of SNP Councillors.
It is not known how long the old-fashioned name has been around though it is similar to the Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association, which predates the formation of the SNP by seven years, having been founded in 1927.
Many within the SNP feel uncomfortable with the nationalist label and the party is frequently and erroneously referred to as the “Scottish Nationalist Party”, most notably by former prime minister Boris Johnson.
Norman MacLeod, a Glasgow councillor and one of the backers of the motion, told The National: “In recent years, many SNP councillors – who as you know comprise the membership of the ANC – indicted their wish to modernise the title of the association.
“Extensive consultation was carried out including holding an online ballot with a number of options – including retaining the existing name – with various versions of a new name.
“The result of the ballot – which was conducted using single transferable vote – was that the new name of the Association of SNP Councillors was selected.
“The change requires adjustment of the constitution, hence the requirement for a resolution to conference.”
The SNP conference will be held in Aberdeen between October 15 to 17.
