Colin Fox MSP was the first to be nominated

Sitting MSP, Colin Fox, and the party's policy co-ordinator, Alan McCombes, were nominated before the deadline.

The election to replace Tommy Sheridan will take place at a party conference next month.

Mr Fox was the first nomination for national convener and Mr McCombes put his name forward to avoid a "coronation" of his rival.

When Mr Sheridan resigned last November, the party decided there would be "collective" rule until a new leader was elected.

The 40-year-old had been the SSP's sole representative in the first Holyrood term after being elected a list MSP for Glasgow.

Alan McCombes is not an MSP, but is contesting the post

In the second Scottish Parliament election he was joined by five new members - Mr Fox, Rosie Kane, Rosemary Byrne, Carolyn Leckie and Frances Curran.

It is understood that the party's MSPs are split over who to support, with Mr Sheridan and Ms Byrne backing Colin Fox and the other three Mr McCombes.

Officials have always insisted the party was not a "one-man band" and contained an abundance of talent and a range of expertise.