Nicola Sturgeon succession race begins as all eyes focus on John Swinney

Nicola Sturgeon’s successor will likely come from the Cabinet she is leaving behind.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has been mentioned as a contender, as has Finance chief Kate Forbes, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson and deputy SNP leader Keith Brown.

But all eyes are on Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is Sturgeon’s closest ally in the Cabinet.