John Swinney rules himself out of SNP leadership race
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has ruled himself out of the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon
Scotland's Deputy First Minister John Swinney won't be replacing Nicola Sturgeon.
Mr Swinney had been considered a top candidate to lead the SNP after Ms Sturgeon's departure - he'd previously done so in the early 2000's.
But that was always considered a big if, with some doubting Mr Swinney would be keen to join the race.
Tonight (February 16) he confirmed he wouldn't be standing, saying he had "thought carefully about whether I should stand and have had to be sure whatever I do is right for my family, the Scottish National Party and our country".
"For the best part of the last 40 years, I have had the privilege of being at the very heart of formulating the strategy of the SNP," he said. "From a very poor starting point in the 1980s, I am proud to have played my part in building the SNP into a successful party of government in Scotland with an impressive electoral record.
"The refusal however of the UK Government to respect the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland to have a referendum on independence, requires the SNP to consider carefully, and in my view with a fresh perspective, how to pursue our aims.
"To create the space for that fresh perspective to emerge, I have decided not to be a candidate for leadership in the SNP. At this critical moment, I believe there must be an open debate within the SNP about our direction.
"I encourage those who stand for election to bring forward perspectives that anchor the SNP in the mainstream of Scottish politics which is an absolutely critical requirement for the future success of our cause."
The SNP earlier said its special independence conference will be postponed as it outlined its plans to appoint Nicola Sturgeon's successor as First Minister and party leader.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf is expected to announce he is running to become Scotland's next first minister, but MP Joanna Cherry has ruled herself out of the battle.
After a meeting of the party's national executive committee those eying the top job have until February 24 to choose submit their nomination, with the vote open between March 13 and 27.