Nicola Sturgeon 'submits application to stand for SNP in 2026'

NICOLA Sturgeon has submitted an application to be a candidate for the SNP at the next Holyrood election.

It comes after reports also suggested former first minister Humza Yousaf had submitted his application to stand for the party although he had also yet to make a final decision on his future.

Both the Daily Record and our sister paper The Herald reported that Sturgeon (below) was keeping her options open in terms of whether or not she would run to be an MSP.

(Image: Jeff J Mitchell)

The former first minister was widely expected to step down from her Glasgow Southside seat, which she has held since 2007.

The deadline for candidates to apply to stand for the party was today at midday with the party’s internal vetting process now triggered.

Sturgeon stepped down as SNP leader and first minister in February 2023, following eight years in the job.

Meanwhile, the SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has previously said he would make up his mind on whether to make the switch from the Commons to Holyrood early next year.

Another high-profile SNP figure yet to announce a decision on whether or not he'll stand is former health secretary Michael Matheson (below). 

(Image: PA)

SNP MSPs James Dornan and Christine Grahame have both already announced they won’t be standing again.

The Herald also reported that Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing is planning on standing again. 

While he is no longer an SNP MSP, John Mason has also said he intends to stand down in 2026.

An SNP spokesperson said: “The SNP is lucky to count on a strong and diverse set of candidates.

"We look forward to offering people the opportunity to vote SNP in 2026 for SNP candidates who will work tirelessly to improve the lives of people across Scotland and for an SNP Scottish Government that provides an alternative to Labour cuts.”