FadeTheButcher
07-16-2004, 07:59 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3898561.stm
Nominations to become the new leader of the Scottish National Party close on Friday, with three figures expected to vie for the position.
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 to stand, arguing she represents the future of the party.
Meanwhile, challenger Mike Russell said leading the party would require "courage" and a radical policy drive.
If no-one else puts forward their name to replace John Swinney as leader, it would mean Ms Cunningham was the only serving MSP to stand for the position.
Mr Swinney announced in June that he intended to stand down as leader following his four years in the role. 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.
Mr Salmond, the MP for Banff and Buchan, said he had been persuaded to stand 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.
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.
Nominations to become the new leader of the Scottish National Party close on Friday, with three figures expected to vie for the position.
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 to stand, arguing she represents the future of the party.
Meanwhile, challenger Mike Russell said leading the party would require "courage" and a radical policy drive.
If no-one else puts forward their name to replace John Swinney as leader, it would mean Ms Cunningham was the only serving MSP to stand for the position.
Mr Swinney announced in June that he intended to stand down as leader following his four years in the role. 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.
Mr Salmond, the MP for Banff and Buchan, said he had been persuaded to stand 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.
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.