MORAY MP ANGUS ROBERTSON has launched a bid to become the deputy leader of the Scottish National Party.
Mr Robertson confirmed on Sunday that he will stand as Nicola Sturgeon’s No.2 when Stewart Hosie steps down from the post at the next SNP Conference later this year.
The SNP party leader at Westminster says that he has decided to run for the job so that he could do all possible to protect Scotland’s place in Europe.
So far the only challenge to Mr Robertson has come from Christopher McEleny, leader of the SNP group at Inverclyde Council, although MEP Alyn Smith and Edinburgh MP Tommy Sheppard are both considering if they should also run.
Nominations will remain open for the post until August after it was given up by Mr Hosie following much-publicised issues over his personal life and split from his wife Shona Robison MSP.
Mr Robertson, who recently remarried, insisted that he was the perfect political partner at the head of his party for Nicola Sturgeon: “The combination of Nicola’s First Minister role and my own opposition leadership role in Westminster complement each other.
“That high profile in Scotland, across the UK and internationally is important at this time to explain Scotland’s future in Europe and help reach No voters in Scotland.”