With the SNP in meltdown, who could replace Yousaf?

The once-dominant nationalist SNP is in meltdown. Former leader Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell, who ran the party for 22 years, has been charged in connection with the embezzlement of SNP funds.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Ms Sturgeon herself was arrested amid an investigation into the party’s finances and then released without charge. She has denied wrongdoing.

Her predecessor Alex Salmond has returned to the political spotlight, aiming barbs at the SNP’s descent into the politics of “culture wars”. And the party is being challenged by a resurgent Labour Party, set to win back swathes of seats north of the border less than a decade after being almost completely wiped out in Scotland.

Whoever emerges as Mr Yousaf’s successor faces a frightful inheritance. Here arethe runners and riders who could replace him.

John Swinney

The deputy first minister under Ms Sturgeon, John Swinney is reportedly being lined up as interim SNP leader while a contest to replace Mr Yousaf is held.

The Perthshire North MSP has held a series of roles in the Scottish government, including cabinet secretary for finance, the Covid recovery and education.

He is seen as one of the few figures who could command the support of the Scottish parliament while a leadership election takes place.

A party source told The Times Mr Swinney is seen as one of only a couple of people “who can bring calm to choppy waters” and “bring reassurance to the public”.