SNP members have backed a motion to stand a “broad range of candidates” in the local council elections next year.
The resolution said that candidates from across the country in the upcoming elections should “reflect the diversity of our nation”.
It added that there can be barriers to many people from underrepresented groups taking up an elected position and called on the Scottish Government to bring forward measures to tackle the issues.
The motion passed overwhelmingly with 497 votes for yes, and 13 for no. An amendment on abuse directed at councillors also passed with 461 votes for, and 32 against.
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Heather Anderson, Scottish Borders SNP councillor, moved the motion and stated it called for “recognition, mutual respect and genuine collaboration between local and central government”.
She added that SNP councillors make the case for independence daily on the ground.
Anderson said that when SNP councillors do their job well, “people gain confidence in the ability of us to govern ourselves”.
Noting the upcoming 2022 Scottish council elections, Anderson said that everyone in the party needs to be “team SNP and work together”.
Anderson also said that the SNP need to “win big” at the elections and that COSLA needs to be on board if we are to “hold and win our referendum”.
Scottish Borders councillor Heather Anderson moved the motion on Monday
She said: “We need all of us and more to do the job we need to do.
“That’s why the election next year is so important, we need to win big. At present we account for one third of Scotland’s councillors and we’re on 43% of our councillors, 14 of the 32.
“Where we are in administration we are in minority or coalition, that needs to change. We need to take control of councils by winning more seats, making more deals with other parties and securing majority control of the convention of Scottish Local Authority.
“COSLA needs to be with us to make sure we can implement the policies in this programme for central and local government. COSLA needs to be with us if we are to hold and win our referendum.
“We don’t want to be arguing about the use of village halls for voting when we should be focussing on the big issues.
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“Every councillor knows how important it is for us to win big next May. We can’t let anything slip, any loss of control the First Minister knows will be used against us.
“Every gain builds our case for independence.”
Angus Millar, SNP Glasgow City councillor, seconded the motion and said that the party had a “clear task” ahead of next year's local authority elections.
He said: “In 2022 we must do everything we can as a party to elect more SNP councillors. A broad and talented mix of individuals representing communities across the country and reflecting the communties they represent.
“And more SNP councillors means more SNP councils, working in partnership with our Scottish Government and making sure we can drive forward our party’s ambitious agenda for Scotland on the ground.
“That’s how we deliver for Scotland, with national leadership and local action.
Glasgow city councillor Angus Millar also supported the resolution
“Next year’s council elections could not be more important for defending the progress we have made and delivering meaningful change for our citizens and communities in the years to come.”
The resolution stated that the Scottish Govvernment “should continue to work proactively with local government in improving local services, collaborating in the development of a new policy where Councils have a delivery role and ensuring that Councils are appropriately and fairly resourced to deliver”.
It continued: “Conference is certain that the forthcoming local government elections in May 2022 will represent a fantastic opportunity to elect more SNP councillors to help realise our party’s bold vision for a diverse and inclusive Scotland and resolves to stand a broad range of candidates who will reflect, champion and work to empower communities across the country.”
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The amendment, which also passed, tackled the issue of threats and abuse towards councillors, and that they “often stand up to those perpetuating antisocial behaviour”.
It was lodged by the Paisley Tannahill Branch, after local SNP councillor Will Mylet’s home was attacked, with a window smashed and his front door attacked by a pool queue.
He told members: “It’s a horrible thing for anyone to go through, but when it relates back to one of the cases you’ve done, it makes it even worse.
"You’re out there trying to do something to help the communities that we serve, only to find out that sometimes these things can come back to potentially cause you problems.”
It reads: “Unfortunately this often leads to councillors dealing with threats, harassment and even violence against them.
"Local councillors are the heartbeat of democracy within Scotland and deserve the same level of support parliamentarians would receive when they find themselves under attack simply for carrying out their democratic duty.”
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