The SNP’s ruling body has set out the timetable for the contest, with ballots closing on March 27.
No-one has officially declared they want to step into the First Minister’s shoes, but some important figures have ruled themselves out of the picture.
Here is a look at the potential candidates to take over as first minister, and who has ruled themselves out:
– SNP Westminster group
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has ruled himself – and the entirety of his group – out of a tilt at the leadership.
The newly anointed head of SNP MPs told the BBC on Wednesday that he would not be seeking the leadership, insisting the next person for the job would come from Holyrood.
Edinburgh South West MP Joanna Cherry has been a thorn in the side of the leadership in recent years, particularly over the issue of gender.
However she has ruled herself out of running.
The announcement – if MPs decide to abide by it – would also rule out deputy Westminster leader Mhairi Black, former defence spokesman Stewart McDonald and ex-Westminster leadership candidate Alison Thewliss.
Mr Flynn’s comments also mean the new SNP leader is likely to be the next first minister of Scotland, rather than the leader serving at Westminster while a deputy runs the country.
– Angus Robertson
Currently the bookies’ favourite for the top job, the Scottish Constitution Secretary has been a high-profile figure in the party for the best part of a decade, serving as Westminster leader before losing his seat in the Commons to Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.
The Edinburgh Central MSP has also been a close ally of the First Minister.
– Kate Forbes
The Finance Secretary, who is currently on maternity leave after the birth of her first child, has long been seen as a potential successor to the First Minister.
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