This article appears as part of the Unspun: Scottish Politics newsletter.
THE SNP's troubles escalated today when one of their MPs dramatically defected to the Conservatives.
Lisa Cameron's timing could not have been worse for Humza Yousaf coming just days ahead of the start of his party's annual conference in Aberdeen, due to start on Sunday.
Dr Cameron, who was first elected as SNP MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow back in 2015, insisted she crossed the house after being bullied by other MPs in her party for supporting a former staff member who was the victim of sexual harassment by Patrick Grady, the Glasgow North MP and former chief whip of the group.
Adding to the intrigue, her announcement this morning- made in the Conservative supporting Daily Mail - comes hours before the results are expected of the internal SNP selection battle to decide the candidate for her seat.
Dr Cameron was being challenged for the party's nomination by Grant Costello, a local activist who works as the SNP's digital manager.
Mr Costello received backing from very senior members of the party in the area and the odds were not in Ms Cameron's favour.
It's a bitter tale of woe and is highly embarrassing for the party. Rather silly attempts were made to play it down with some in the SNP suggesting they always thought she was a Tory 'anyway'. I would ask, 'why did they then select her as the candidate back in 2015, 2017 and 2019?
Ms Cameron's news was quickly seized on by Labour who strongly fancy their chances of winning East Kilbride at the general election expected next year.
"Vote SNP, get Tory," was the cry from senior Labour figures - including their new MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West Michael Shanks - on social media this morning.
But Dr Cameron's defection adds to a litany of sorry tales in the SNP at the moment.
Read More: Explained: Why Lisa Cameron quit the SNP for Conservatives
On top of Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as leader in February and the long running police investigation into the party's finances (which has seen both the former FM, her husband Peter Murrell and the former treasurer Colin Beattie all arrested and released without charge), there's a long list of other rows.
It's coming under pressure over its record in government with both Labour and the Conservatives criticising its management of the NHS on long waiting times for treatment - a key concern for voters.
Both opposition parties are also going on the offensive on plans being considered to increase council tax for around a quarter of householders living in more expensive properties.
Ministers insist local authorities need to be able to raise more revenue for public services, but Labour and the Tories sense considerable unhappiness among voters already struggling to pay their bills in the cost of living crisis.
There's also significant internal party discontent.
Ill-feeling remains among some in the SNP at Holyrood over the decision to suspend long-serving MSP and former cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing for a week from the group. Mr Ewing has said he is going to appeal the sanction imposed on him for voting against the government in a no confidence motion on Scottish Greens minister Lorna Slater back in June.
His actions were in turn rooted in his concerns over the party's political direction due to their co-operation with the Greens who some in the SNP - rightly or wrongly - blame for unpopular policy decisions. These include the controversial deposit return scheme, reforms to the gender recognition act, plans to restrict fishing in new marine conservation zones and failure to dual major roads such as the A9 in the Highlands. The first three policies are now shelved, with ministers insisting A9 dualling remains a commitment, though no timetable has been given.
Read More: Husband of Tory defector Lisa Cameron 'stepping back' as SNP councillor
And a big and potentially difficult debate on the issue of independence strategy is due to be debated at the conference.
With the party's drive for its founding goal stalled, important questions face the SNP about how to make progress with no prospect of either a Conservative or Labour government agreeing to a second referendum.
Such a storm of unrest faces Mr Yousaf as he prepares for his first conference as party leader.
The event should be a vital opportunity to cement his position and to energise activists for the general election campaign ahead.
But now it risks becoming an occasion for members to speculate just how long the troubles will continue and whether Mr Yousaf is the politician who can get them under control.
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