 John Swinney's successor will be appointed in September |
Roseanna Cunningham has become the first candidate to put her name forward to replace John Swinney as leader of the Scottish National Party. The Perth MSP announced her decision only hours after Mr Swinney said he was stepping down from the post following poor European election results.
The deputy leader said she could offer a "distinctly different" style.
Nicola Sturgeon, Kenny MacAskill and former MSP Mike Russell were among the other names tipped as contenders.
Ms Sturgeon, the party's justice spokeswoman, said she was not going to make a snap decision about whether or not to stand.
 |  I do not believe that the party would be best served by an extended period of speculation over who might or might not stand  |
"This is not just about individuals, it's about what's best for the SNP, and I don't have a monopoly of wisdom on that," she said. "I will want to speak to others in the party and get a feel for what they think.
"And I have to make a personal decision about whether I think I'm the right person for the job."
Mr MacAskill said it was too early for him to make a decision, but he would not rule anything in or out.
Left-winger Alex Neil said he would assess his chances over the coming days.
"If I have a realistic chance of winning, I will contemplate standing," he said.
"If I contemplate that I won't have a realistic chance, then I won't stand."
| Election timetable Nominations open Tuesday Nominations close 16 July Ballots mailed to all members by 13 August Ballots to be returned by 31 August Result announced 3 September |
Westminster leader Alex Salmond, who stood down as party leader in 2000, has said he would decline if nominated. Mr Swinney, the MSP for Tayside North, was elected as his successor in September that year.
He announced his decision not to seek re-nomination as leader on Tuesday morning after reflecting on the party's showing at the European elections.
"It has become clear to me over the last few days, that the constant and relentless speculation over my position is obscuring - and crucially in my judgement, will continue to obscure - the political objectives of the SNP," he said.
"I have come to the view that the SNP cannot make the electoral progress I believe is possible, if our vital political message is communicated through an endless debate about my leadership."
| It was inevitable he would go; too nice, too reasonable, too ordinary |
He will be replaced at the SNP's September conference. Nominations opened as soon as Mr Swinney announced his decision to step down.
Declaring her candidacy, Ms Cunningham said: "As the depute leader I am clear in my mind that I am the best person to succeed John and I do not believe that the party would be best served by an extended period of speculation over who might or might not stand.
"I believe I am best placed to provide a distinctly different political style while nevertheless retaining all that has been effective throughout John's leadership."
She said she would reflect over the next few days on the lessons which needed to be learned from the recent "disappointing" election results.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
