The search for a new First Minister of Scotland has begun after Nicola Sturgeon’s surprise decision to stand down.
The SNP leader made the announcement on Wednesday after more than eight years in the job.
She plans to remain in office until her successor is elected.
The SNP’s national executive committee will meet on Thursday evening to draw up a timetable for a leadership race.
With no obvious successor, the party’s first leadership contest in nearly 20 years could see a debate on future direction and strategy.
Ms Sturgeon made her announcement at a hastily-convened news conference at her official Edinburgh residence, Bute House, but insisted it was a decision she had been weighing up for some time.
She said that in order to serve well, a politician needed to accept when it was time to make way for someone else.
“In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it’s right for me, for my party and my country,” she said.
