 | 'The small and vocal minority must understand this - our leader is democratically elected and once democratically elected, our leader should be supported by every single member.' John Swinney MSP, 28 th June 2004. |  |
| 'The small and vocal minority must understand this - our leader is democratically elected and once democratically elected, our leader should be supported by every single member.' John Swinney MSP, 28 th June 2004. | |
Nominations for the new Scottish National Party leader opened on Tuesday morning as soon as John Swinney announced his resignation.
Names suggested as a possible replacement include the party's deputy leader, Roseanna Cunningham, justice spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon, Kenny MacAskill and former MSP Mike Russell.
Roseanna Cunningham
Ms Cunningham is the SNP's deputy leader and as environment and rural affairs spokeswoman is in the SNP's "cabinet".
She has represented Perth since winning the seat in a Westminster by-election in 1995, being a dual mandate MP/MSP until 2001.
She worked as a solicitor until she was called as an advocate in December 1990, and is still a member of the Faculty of Advocates.
In the Scottish Parliament, Ms Cunningam has been convener of the justice committee and held the justice portfolio for the SNP.
She confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that she would be seeking nominations for the leadership.
Nicola Sturgeon
Ms Sturgeon has been an MSP for Glasgow since 1999 and is the party's justice spokeswoman.
She previously held the portfolios of education and health.
She joined the SNP in 1986 and is a member of the SNP's National Executive, previously holding the posts of youth affairs vice convener and publicity vice convener.
Ms Sturgeon was born in Irvine, Ayrshire in 1970, and she studied Law at Glasgow University.
Before becoming an MSP, she worked as a solicitor at Drumchapel Law Centre in Glasgow.
Kenny MacAskill
Mr MacAskill has been the MSP for Lothians since 1999 and is deputy convener of the parliament's audit committee.
He is the party's spokesman for transport and tourism and thus is a member of the shadow cabinet.
He is a long-standing member of the SNP's national executive committee and has been national treasurer and vice-convener (policy) when he was also the SNP's poll tax spokesperson, leading the party's Can Pay, Won't Pay campaign.
Mr MacAskill contested Edinburgh East & Musselburgh in 1999 and 2003.
He was educated at Linlithgow Academy and Edinburgh University and was a senior partner in a law firm.
Mike Russell
Mr Russell was the SNP's chief executive and election campaign director from 1994 until his election in 1999.
He was a list MSP until the elections in May 2003 when he lost his South of Scotland seat.
He previously held the portfolios of education and culture and led a campaign in the Scottish Parliament to put Gaelic on an equal footing with English.
Mr Russell achieved a MA in Scottish History and Literature at Edinburgh University.
He has worked as a television producer and director and is a member of the Celtic Film and TV Association.
Since his defeat at the polls he has been concentrating on a writing career.
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