SNP Leadership contest 2004

'Make sure that those people who put their personal interests above the party's interests are brought down not a peg or two but a good number of pegs.' John Swinney MSP, 28 th June 2004.

Closest ally is favourite to take party hot seat

From the Scotsman 22 nd June 2004

The favourite to succeed John Swinney as leader of the SNP is the woman who has been closest to him throughout his period in office.

Nicola Sturgeon, currently the Nationalists' justice spokeswoman, was campaign manager for Mr Swinney when he won the leadership contest against Alex Neil in 2000.

She has remained a key adviser during the past four years and has served as spokeswoman on both education and health before taking over the justice portfolio.

Other potential contenders include deputy leader Roseanna Cunningham and transport spokesman and Lothians MSP Kenny MacAskill.

But Mr MacAskill today said he had not made a definite decision but thought it "extremely unlikely" he would enter the contest.

And because Mr Swinney will stay on as leader until his successor is chosen, Ms Cunningham is denied a period as acting leader, which might have boosted her chances.

The new leader will be elected by one member one vote. Nominations close on July 16, ballot papers will go out in August and the result will be announced on September 3.

But if the powers that be inside the party can get agreement from the key players, they may decide to try the tactic which worked for the Tories at UK level and go for a "coronation" instead of a contest.

If Ms Sturgeon were to emerge as the only serious candidate it could help avoid more damaging publicity about the internal divisions of which Mr Swinney complained.

At one time all the talk was of former leader Alex Salmond returning to take command again, but the fact he is based at Westminster without an easy route back to the Scottish Parliament any time soon makes it difficult for that to work. It is understood he is now backing Ms Sturgeon.

Alex Neil, who fought Mr Swinney for the succession in 2000, could stage another bid for the job. But he said: "I would only contemplate standing if I had a prospect of winning."

Finance spokesman Fergus Ewing may also throw his hat in the ring. Although he is seen as on the right of the party, his position as part of the Ewing dynasty would win him some votes.