Myself and ⁦Nick Eardley⁩ have been hearing from opposition figures about their thoughts on the (likely) new SNP opponent they face - John Swinney. Is he the man to turn the party around? bbc.com/news/articles/…

BREAKING kate forbes won’t run as SNP leader and endorses John Swinney

And it’s official. John Swinney announces he’s running for snp leader.

Wants to unite the snp and “unite scotland for independence”

I asked John Swinney if he’ll deliver independence for scotland.

A one word answer from him - “yes”

At John Swinney leadership campaign. A lot of cabinet ministers in attendance.

Given previous statements and who’s turned up, think it’s very safe to say a vast majority of cabinet ministers (maybe even all?) who take a public stance will be behind a swinney-led SNP

Kate Forbes won’t be at John Swinney event this morning, where he’s expected to announce his bid to be SNP leader. Perhaps dampening down any speculation of a deal?

NEW John Swinney is expected to announce he is running to lead the SNP for a second time: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

SNP announcing end of the POTENTIAL leadership contest will be 27th May.

Much swifter contest than the last time. Perhaps no surprise with general election looming…internal politics isn’t the best way for any party to spend time at the moment.

NEW: And now John Swinney says he's weighing up what running would mean for his family, party and country (almost exactly the same as Ms Forbes).

But he adds it 'wouldn't be my style' to not listen to the 'many' voices telling him to run.

NEW: Kate Forbes has said she has a 'groundswell of support amongst the party' and she's still weighing up whether to run to be SNP leader.

Ms Forbes said she was considering her options and whether this was the right time for the party, the country and her family.

Still no declared candidates in the SNP leadership contest, but MSPs seem to be working on a Swinney or Forbes basis.

Swinney considering a bid. Allies of Forbes say she is too.

Hard to see anyone else throwing their hat in the ring if it is indeed these two.

From a slightly cooler Edinburgh than expected, Gary Robertson has your #BBCGMS from the capital and Laura Maxwell from Glasgow as Scotland returns to the search for a new First Minister. Listen live or catch up on BBC Sounds from 0600.

Humza Yousaf resigns: What next for the SNP? 📺 bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-sco…