THE SNP grassroots should have more of a say over setting policy and deciding what is debated at conferences, the only declared contender to become the party's deputy leader has said.

Christopher McEleny, a senior councillor, spoke out following a revolt at the SNP's last conference in March when delegates criticised "self-congratulatory" and "complacent" motions selected by a powerful internal committee. It chose only four from 200 branches for an open debate compared to 13 from MPs and MSPs.

Dr Malcolm Kerr, convener of the SNP’s Isle of Arran branch, was cheered in the hall after comparing the conference to one put on by New Labour under the leadership of Tony Blair.

Mr McEleny, who is leader of the party group on Inverclyde Council, said that debate is positive in a party of the SNP's size and that it was essential that the collective strength of its 100,000-plus members is fully utilised to set its direction.

He said that if elected, he would propose guaranteeing more time at party conferences for motions from local branches, potentially setting aside a special section of the events for topics grassroots members want to discuss.

He added: "Debate is good and in a party as large as the SNP it is essential going forward so that we can fully utilise the strength of our membership. You just need to look to First Minister's Questions were the session has been extended to allow more debate and see it flourish.

"Our local branches across Scotland are the heartbeat of our party, it is only right then that they get a better opportunity to debate at the ultimate decision-making body of the party.

"As a party we have proved to Scotland that we will stand up for people at every opportunity and that is why people have put their trust in us to be stronger for Scotland. However we will always believe that independence is the best route to improving the lives of every person in Scotland. Therefore it is important that we allow as wide a debate as possible at conferences and promote the grassroots of our party bringing their hopes and aspirations to the table."

The electrician, 29, is seen as one of few rising stars within the SNP at local government level, and has been credited with shaking up a previously poorly-performing group of nationalist councillors in Inverclyde.

He declared his intention to become deputy leader after Stewart Hosie, husband of health secretary Shona Robison, revealed he would be standing down from the post after details of his affair with a London-based journalist were reported in the press.

Mr McEleny, the only SNP figure so far to throw his hat into the ring, has said he is on course to receive the support necessary to secure a slot on the ballot paper. He has said the grassroots of the party should be at the forefront of leading a summer drive to persuade sceptical members of the public of the merits of independence

He has outlined other priorities as putting left-wing values at the heart of the party, championing the role of local government and promoting gender equality.