What happens after the SNP leadership results are announced?

Shortly after 2 p.m., the results of the SNP leadership election will be announced at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium. Three candidates are vying to succeed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, though it is widely accepted that the race is really only between the two frontrunners; the winner is expected to be Humza Yousaf or Kate Forbes. While it’s still uncertain which candidate will win, today’s announcement will come as a relief to many politicians and party members who have followed a contest that has, at many points, proved damaging to the SNP’s reputation. 

Last week saw a heated exchange between the leaders of the opposition parties and the current First Minister during Sturgeon’s 286th – and final – First Minister’s Questions. This was followed by an emotional speech from Sturgeon. Pleasantries came from Labour’s Anas Sarwar and the Conservatives’ Douglas Ross – although not without a sprinkling of criticism.