BRIAN Cox has backed Angus Robertson to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader.
The actor, best known for his role in HBO’s Succession, said the Constitution Secretary would “make a great leader” and noted his strong European identity.
No one has officially entered the race as yet, however, it is expected that Robertson will make a leadership bid.
Others expected to be in the running include Health Secretary Humza Yousaf who said he was “considering” entering the race and Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.
Who should be next in line for the succession of Nicola Sturgeon? Hollywood actor and SNP member Brian Cox gives his verdict on the latest #BBCNewscast…
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Speaking on the BBC’s Newscast, Cox said: “The person I have a lot of respect for is Angus Robertson.
“He’s the Culture Secretary at the moment, but he has a scope which is quite interesting.
“He’s a very strong European and has lots of connections because his mother was German. So there’s a very strong European connection for Angus.
“But also he has a total grasp of the situation, so I think he would make a great leader.”
Cox, born in Dundee and now resident in the USA, is a prominent supporter of Scottish independence and has previously spoken of his admiration for Sturgeon.
The First Minister will stand down in the coming weeks, ending her time at the top of Scottish politics.
She shocked the country on Wednesday when she announced her intention to quit the role.
Sturgeon is the longest-serving First Minister but has left no obvious successor.
A shortened leadership contest will determine who will fill her shoes – the first the SNP has conducted since 2004 when Alex Salmond was elected.
