Inverclyde councillor Christopher McEleny has become the first person to enter the SNP's deputy leadership contest.
The 29-year old said he would use the role to champion local government and young people.
In a statement, McEleny wrote: "In 2017 we hope to gain control of Local Authorities across Scotland to deliver SNP policies to improve towns, cities and villages for the better.
"I believe I can champion local government at the heart of our party. A position that will benefit both our part and Scotland as a whole. "
He continued: " By electing a councillor as deputy leader we will be sending out a strong message regarding our commitment to and the importance local government plays in creating a fairer Scotland from a grass roots level to the very top of Government."
McEleny, first elected in 2012 is the leader of the SNP group.
The SNP's current depute leader Stewart Hosie has said he has no intention of seeking re-election to the post. The MP made the announcement on Sunday, saying he was being made unwell by the intense scrutiny into his private life after details emerged of alleged love triangle.
Nominations for the position close on August 5 and a new leader will be announced at the party's conference in October.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here