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Kate Forbes has announced she is not entering the race to replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and Scotland’s first minister.
The former finance secretary had been tipped as a potential frontrunner after narrowly failing to beat Mr Yousaf in last year’s leadership election to replace then first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The search is currently on to find a new leader for the SNP and Scotland following Mr Yousaf’s resignation on Monday.
Former deputy first minister John Swinney is the first to declare he is running.
In a statement following his announcement, Ms Forbes confirmed she would be throwing her support behind Mr Swinney following a “frank and constructive” discussion with him over the future of the SNP and Scotland.
She said: “What emerged was that we share a powerful common purpose for the country. That includes a passion to revitalise our party, reach out to those who feel disempowered and reinvigorate the independence movement.
“It also includes an understanding that economic growth and tackling poverty must again be key priorities, and that a just transition to net zero must work with, and not against, our communities and businesses.”
Ms Forbes said Mr Swinney is “determined” to run a “competent, candid government earning the trust of the people”.
She added: “That was the vision I offered in the last leadership contest, and is evidently demanded by the Scottish public.
“I have therefore weighed the decision whether or not to seek the leadership of the party with great care.
“Ultimately, 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.”
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