The search for a new First Minister of Scotland has begun after Nicola Sturgeon’s surprise decision to stand down.
The SNP leader made the announcement on Wednesday after more than eight years in the job.
She plans to remain in office until her successor is elected.
The SNP’s national executive committee will meet on Thursday evening to draw up a timetable for a leadership race.
With no obvious successor, the party’s first leadership contest in nearly 20 years could see a debate on future direction and strategy.
Possible replacements include:
- John Swinney, deputy first minister, who became SNP leader in 2000 following the resignation of Alex Salmond before leaving the post four years later
- Kate Forbes, finance secretary who underwent a meteoric rise in recent years. Currently on maternity leave
- Angus Robertson, who previously headed the SNP’s Westminster group and was a vocal critic of Theresa May’s government following the 2015 election
- Humza Yousaf, health secretary who has held several senior posts in government. Part of a new generation of SNP figures
- Keith Brown, justice secretary seen as an outsider bet.