Ex-Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has ruled herself out of running to succeed Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and First Minister.
Forbes, who stood against Yousaf last March, was seen as a potential contender following his resignation announcement on Monday.
However, the Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch MSP opted against standing again and endorsed ex-Deputy First Minister John Swinney.
She said: “I have concluded that the best way to deliver the urgent change Scotland needs is to join with John Swinney and advocate for that reform agenda within the Scottish Government.
“I can therefore today announce that I will not be seeking nomination as the next SNP leader.
"John will therefore have my support and endorsement in any campaign to follow.”
