ANGUS Robertson has confirmed he will NOT run to be the new leader of the SNP following Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.
STATEMENT: SNP Leadership Election pic.twitter.com/IpRpnw5Nyq
— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) February 20, 2023
In a post on social media, the bookies' favourite cited the fact he has two young children as one of the main reasons he has decided not to run to be first minister.
As things stand, only Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan have announced their intention to stand for the role with an announcement expected from Kate Forbes later on Monday.
Robertson, who currently serves as the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Secretary, was widely tipped by many as one of the favourites for the role.
His statement read: “It is a real privilege and honour for people to wish me to stand and I am very thankful for their trust.”
It added: “I look forward to working with the next SNP leader and first minister to deliver progressive policies and economic success for Scotland, and help secure Scottish independence within the European Union.”
Robertson joins his colleagues Keith Brown, Neil Gray and Mairi McAllan in ruling himself out of the race to replace Sturgeon.
Many took to Twitter to share their reaction to the news with MSP Karen Adam writing: “You would have been a fantastic FM. Wishing you all the best Angus.”
Elsewhere, SNP MP Stewart McDonald said he was disappointed at the news having spent “the last few days” trying to convince Robertson to run.
“I’m in no doubt he will play a considerable role in the new government and continue to be one of our sharpest advocates for independence”, he said.
Stephen Noon, who worked as chief strategist for the Yes Scotland campaign, said: “Angus is one of the reasons the SNP stands where it does, in particular his role heading the campaign committee in 2007 and 2011.
“Sorry to hear he won’t stand but know he has a big part to play moving forward.”
