Timeline for SNP leadership race announced – with nominations to close on 24 February

The SNP’s national executive committee has agreed a timetable for members to elect a new leader following Nicola Sturgeon’s shock resignation.

Nominations to become Ms Sturgeon’s successor opened at 11.59pm yesterday evening and will close at midday on Friday 24 February.

Once nominations have closed, the ballot will then open at midday on 13 March and close at midday on 27 March.

The party said its national secretary will make the results of the contest public as soon as the result has been determined and after the candidates have been advised.

Ms Sturgeon will stay in place until her successor is chosen.

The party planned to hold a meeting on March 19 to discuss the path towards an independence vote, with Nicola Sturgeon backing the use of the next general election as a de facto referendum.

But Lorna Finn, the SNP’s national secretary, said: “It would be wrong to have a newly elected leader tied to a key decision on how we deliver democracy in Scotland in the face of continued Westminster intransigence.

“Therefore, the party’s special democracy conference, previously planned for Sunday March 19, is postponed. SNP Members – the lifeblood of this party and movement – will be updated in due course on details of a rearranged event once the new party leader is in place.”

The decision on the leadership campaign comes after a national executive committee meeting of the party on Thursday.