Angus Robertson has ruled himself out of the SNP leadership race.
The constitution secretary tweeted a letter on Monday morning which said that he would not be running to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and First Minister.
Robertson said that "the time was not right" for him to "take on such a huge commitment" due to family commitments
The Edinburgh Central MSP wrote: “Since Nicola Sturgeon announced she is stepping down I have been encouraged by many to consider running for the SNP leadership and to become first minister.
“It is a real privilege and honour for people to wish me to stand and I am very thankful for their trust.
“However, as the father of two very young children the time is not right for me and my family to take on such a huge commitment.”
Health secretary Humza Yousaf and former communities Ash Regan are the only candidates to have announced their bid so far. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes is expected to join them later on Monday.
Robertson had initially been the bookies’ favourite to become the next First Minister after Niccola Sturgeon resigned on Wednesday.
He is one of the best-known members of the party having served as SNP Westminster leader before Ian Blackford.
Robertson held the role between 2007 and 2017 and was also the party’s deputy leader between 2016 and 2018.
After losing his Westminster seat in 2017 to current Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, Robertson became MSP for Edinburgh Central in 2021.
He became Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture less than two weeks after his election as an MSP.
Robertson is a former journalist who began his career in Austria. Last year he had a book published on the history of Vienna.
Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald said that he was "disappointed" to hear that Robertson had decided against running.
McDonald tweeted on Monday morning: "I am disappointed at this news. I spent the past few days trying to convince Angus to run, and I know many others were doing the same.
"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."
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