Nominations close in SNP race

Three people are vying for the leadership of the party

Nominations to become the new leader of the Scottish National Party closed on Friday, with three people putting their names forward for the job.

Former SNP leader Alex Salmond shocked Scottish politics when he performed an about-turn and said he would stand.

Current deputy leader Roseanna Cunningham is standing, arguing that she represents the future of the party.

Meanwhile, challenger Mike Russell said leading the party would require "courage" and a radical policy drive.

Ms Cunningham is the only serving MSP standing in the contest to replace John Swinney as leader.

Mr Swinney announced in June that he intended to stand down as leader after four years in the role.

Change of heart

He blamed constant media speculation over his leadership as the main reason for his decision.

Nicola Sturgeon then announced she would stand in the race to replace Mr Swinney.

But following Mr Salmond's change of heart, she said she would like to be his deputy in the event of him winning.

ELECTION TIMETABLE Nominations close 16 July Ballots mailed to all members by 13 August Ballots to be returned by 31 August Result announced 3 September

MSPs Fergus Ewing and Christine Grahame have also put their names forward for the deputy's position.

Mr Salmond, the MP for Banff and Buchan, said he had been persuaded to stand for leader after being swayed by grassroots opinion.

He telephoned campaign managers for the other candidates on Wednesday to tell them of his intention to run for leader again.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Friday, he said that, if he gets his old job back, he can beat Jack McConnell at the next Scottish election

He added: "This is a team bid and both I and Nicola Sturgeon have skills that compliment each other.

"I think together we can provide the leadership base which will make a real challenge for the SNP to emerge as the leading party in Scotland."

'Bright future'

After the close of nominations the party's four other Westminster MPs - Annabelle Ewing, Angus Robertson, Mike Weir and Pete Wishart - declared their support for Mr Salmond.

Ms Cunningham said she offered a bright future for the SNP and claimed Mr Salmond was a symbol of the past.

The MSP for Perth said she would not be used as "a doormat" and was determined to stand for the position.

Mr Russell lost his Scottish Parliament seat at the last election after being placed too low in the party rankings.

He said he was surprised at Mr Salmond's decision to stand, but added that he was not afraid of engaging in political debate with the former leader.