SNP leader John Swinney has won a key conference vote on independence strategy after he “staked his premiership” on delivering his party’s stated aim.

In 2011, an SNP Holyrood majority was enough for then Tory Prime Minister David Cameron to endorse a referendum on separation, but since losing that ballot there has been increasing unrest in SNP ranks on how to take their cause forward.

Urging conference to back a “clear, simple and unambiguous message” that only a repeat of the 2011 result would could deliver independence, Mr Swinney said: “The precedent is clear — when the SNP win a majority, we deliver a referendum on independence.

“We did it in 2011 and I want us to do it in 2026, to give our people a choice on their future.

“We’re going to win a majority for the SNP to deliver that choice for Scotland.”

Under the proposals, which were passed with substantial support on Saturday at the party’s conference in Aberdeen, an SNP majority at next year’s election would be required for another vote.

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said Mr Swinney has “staked his reputation on winning independence” and was brave for “putting everything” on the strategy.

SNP activist Graeme McCormick, who once considered running against Mr Swinney for leader, tabled an amendment stating that next year’s election should be regarded as a “de-facto” referendum, a move he told delegates would reverse the “hollowing out” of the party.

He said: “If we get the Scottish people, the majority of the Scottish people, in a popular vote to say: ‘We’ll give you a mandate to deliver independence,’ and we say: ‘By a certain day we will do it,’ we will inspire the membership.”

But his amendment was soundly defeated.