SNP MP for Glasgow East John Mason, whose victory in one of Labour's safest seats shook Scottish politics has opened this year's SNP spring conference in Glasgow.

Welcoming delegates to Glasgow Mr Mason said: "Glasgow and the SNP have what it takes to build a strong future for Scotland.

"From our founding days to the epic battles for Govan and now Glasgow East the SNP and Glasgow are tied together.

"On the council the SNP group is supporting Scotland's parents in their demands for the best possible education for their children - while they are let down by Labour.

"In Government the SNP has taken action to support jobs and the city's economy, providing funding for 1000 apprentices, providing capital investment in new road and rail infrastructure, building a new Southern General Hospital, pushing the GHA to deliver on its promise of second stage transfer, investing in new affordable housing and alongside the city council we are working to bring a real Commonwealth Games legacy to this city.

"And at Westminster Glasgow's East End now has an MP who is on their side.

"As Glasgow and Scotland show we've got what it takes to recover from this economic downturn and to build a stronger Scottish economy the SNP will be working every day to deliver the skills, jobs and investment that will see us emerge stronger on the other side."

Speaking about the Glasgow East by-election which saw the SNP win one of Labour's safest seats with a 22% swing Mr Mason said: "Last summer Glasgow saw one of Scotland's most exciting political contests as the people of Glasgow's East End voted for an MP who is on their side.

"In that election one man was missing.  Gordon Brown finally came to town yesterday, but he came too late.

"As we head into a European election and look forward to a Westminster election and referendum in the future we will take the energy and confidence that saw Glasgow East elect an SNP MP to the rest of the city and the country as we show the SNP has what it takes to succeed for Scotland."