John Swinney has told Sky News that the SNP needs to “come together” in the wake of Humza Yousaf’s resignation as party leader and first minister.
The former deputy first minister is being touted as a potential leadership candidate and has already garnered support from senior figures within his party.
The Perthshire North MSP, a close ally of Nicola Sturgeon, said he is carefully considering his options.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Swinney said there was “lots to think about”.
He added: “The SNP has got to come together as a political party. It’s the only way political parties thrive and succeed, if they come together.”
Mr Swinney said he was considering all issues and would have more to say “in the next few days”.
A number of SNP figures are said to be fearing a coronation with no contest.
Speaking to Sky News later on Tuesday, Kate Forbes said there is “a lot of support” for her across the SNP as she confirmed she is considering standing to replace Mr Yousaf.
Ms Forbes narrowly failed to beat Mr Yousaf in last year’s leadership election to replace then first minister Ms Sturgeon.
Kate Forbes earlier this month. Pic: PA
She said: “I am not ruling myself out. I am still considering all the options, but I also know that there is a lot of support for me across the country and across the party, and last year proved that.
“What’s key now is to think about what the next few months hold, and to ensure that the party is able to move forward, to fight that election and to ensure we have the trust of the people.”
Sources have told Sky News there are concerns that installing Mr Swinney would be tantamount to a “stitch up.
John Swinney speaking on Tuesday. Pic: Sky News
Mr Swinney said it was “dramatic news yesterday”, adding: “It’s important we all take time to consider carefully all of the implications of that.
“That’s what I’m doing to make sure that we take the right decisions for the party. And everybody will be involved in taking that decision.”
In her first and only interview since the first minister quit, Ms Forbes was asked if the contest could become a “John Swinney coronation”.
She replied that the “the membership need to be behind the next leader and process needs to reflect that”.
Sky News understands Ms Forbes will make her final decision within the next 24 hours.
Humza Yousaf announced he was stepping down on Monday. Pic: PA
The search is currently on to find a new leader for the SNP and Scotland following Mr Yousaf’s resignation on Monday.
Nominations close at noon on Monday 6 May.
Prospective candidates will have to gain the support of 100 members from 20 different SNP branches to qualify for the contest.
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Humza Yousaf’s resignation
Read more:
Who could replace Humza Yousaf?
What happens now following his resignation
SNP stands at a crossroads – what direction will party take?
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On Tuesday morning, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross announced his party would no longer press ahead with the motion of no confidence in Mr Yousaf.
Mr Ross said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Conservative motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf achieved its purpose by forcing him to resign.
“While, on a personal level, I wish him well for the future, he was a disaster as first minister and it’s in Scotland’s interests that he goes.”
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Meanwhile, the Scottish parliament will hold a no confidence debate and vote on the Scottish government on Wednesday.
Scottish Labour earlier confirmed it was pushing ahead with its motion as a “point of principle”.
If the vote was successful, all Scottish ministers would be compelled to stand down, with parliament given 28 days to appoint a new first minister – failing which, a snap election would be called.
The Scottish Tories and Liberal Democrats back the motion, but the Scottish Greens do not and without their support Scottish Labour will not achieve the votes required.
MSP Gillian Mackay, Scottish Greens business manager, said: “Like the withdrawn Tory motion, the Labour one has clearly been overtaken by events.
“Pursuing it would achieve nothing, and would simply mean more parliamentary game playing.”
