Sturgeon To Become SNP Leader

Nicola Sturgeon is the sole nominee to take over from Alex Salmond when he stands down in November.

Nominations closed this morning for the posts of Leader and Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party, following Alex Salmond's announcement that he is stepping down as leader at the Party conference in November, and current depute leader Nicola Sturgeon being nominated for the post.

All candidates required to be nominated by 100 members from at least 20 branches.

SNP National Secretary Patrick Grady announced that Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Glasgow Southside and Deputy First Minister, is the sole nominee for the post of Leader.

Mr Grady also confirmed that three nominations have been received for the post of Depute Leader. The candidates are:

Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire & Dunblane, and Scottish Government Minister for Transport & Veterans.

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, and Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth & Women's Employment.

Stewart Hosie, MP for Dundee East, and Deputy Leader of the SNP Westminster Group and party Treasury Spokesperson.

Voting for the Depute Leader post will be by one-member-one-vote of party members, by preferential '1, 2, 3' voting on the Alternative Vote system, conducted by an external ballot services company. Members can vote either online or by post. The result will be declared at SNP conference on Friday 14 November, when the new Leader and Depute Leader will assume their posts.

Commenting, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP said:

"I am delighted that Nicola Sturgeon will succeed Alex Salmond as Leader of the SNP. She will be a fantastic new leader of both the party and our country. She will build on the substantial legacy and extraordinary achievements of Alex Salmond as the longest serving First Minister, and make her own mark as she leads Scotland forward.

"I am also delighted that there is a choice of three top quality candidates for the post of depute leader.

"The party is in great heart and relishing the opportunities ahead. We enjoy a lead in voting intentions for both the next Westminster and Holyrood elections, with a record number of members bringing new energy, commitment and enthusiasm to our ranks.

"Where there was deep disappointment at not winning the referendum, there is now a real focus on ensuring that Westminster delivers on its Vow to deliver extensive new powers for Scotland, so that we can build a fairer and more prosperous country.

"We can look forward with great optimism to our new leadership team taking forward this work in the best interests of Scotland."