SNP leadership result today - and what happens next...

We’re hours away from finding out who SNP members have picked as their party’s new leader, but they face another vote before they can be confirmed as the next First Minister.

The results are expected to be confirmed in an announcement at Murrayfield Stadium this afternoon.

Here’s what’s expected to happen over the next few days.

SNP announcement

The leadership contest was triggered on 15th February when Nicola Sturgeon announced her intention to resign as both as First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party, in a press conference at Bute House.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan were the three candidates who stood for the party leadership.

When YOU quizzed the candidates

During campaign our Political Editor Alan Smith sat down with Ash Regan, Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes to answer questions posted by our listeners.

How are the votes are counted?

SNP members have until midday to cast vote for their new leader and the results are expected to be announced after 2pm in at event at Murrayfield Stadium.

Party members get more than one vote and were given the opportunity to rank the candidates in order of preference from one to three.

If one candidate receives more than half of first preference votes, they will automatically be elected.

If that doesn’t happen, the last-placed candidate will be eliminated from the race, with the second preferences for that candidate then reallocated to the remaining two candidates.

Vote for First Minister

Just because they’re the new SNP leader doesn’t mean the winner automatically becomes First Minister – that is decided by MSPs who will vote on Tuesday.

After Nicola Sturgeon officially tenders her resignation as First Minister to the King, the Scottish Parliament is required to nominate one of its members for appointment as the new First Minister.

Whilst the First Minister usually represents the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Any member can nominate a candidate for appointment as First Minister, and on previous occasions the other parties have put forward rival candidates.

If there are more than two candidates in a round of voting then a candidate can be successful where the number of votes for them exceeds the total number of votes cast for all of the other candidates.

Official appointment

After MSPs have agreed a candidate for nomination as First Minister the Presiding Officer will recommend to their appointment to the King.

The new First Minister will be appointed by Royal Warrant and sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday.

They will make their debut at First Minister’s Questions at midday on Thursday.

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