MEP Alyn Smith is not considering putting himself forward as a candidate in the SNP’s depute leadership race.
Smith, who stood unsuccessfully last time round, told The National he had no plans to try again in the forthcoming contest.
“I’m flattered by the number of people who have been getting in touch about the prospect [of standing] but I have no plans to do so,” he said.
READ MORE: SNP depute leader race is on as first candidate declares
In 2016, Smith stood on a platform of getting the party prepared to meet the challenges of leaving the European Union and the implications of Brexit on the fight for Scottish independence.
A former lawyer, he was elected as a MEP in 2004 and will continue in this role until the UK formally leaves the EU at the end of March next year.
Angus Robertson, who won the 2016 depute leadership contest, stood down on Saturday eight months after losing his Moray seat at last June’s General Election.
In his letter of resignation to Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader and First Minister, Robertson appeared to suggest his lack of an elected position was a disadvantage in terms of fulfilling his duties as depute leader.
“Since the 2017 General Election I have been focused on supporting campaign best practice for local SNP branches, constituency associations, elected members and the party nationally,” he said.
“As we have discussed recently, I believe I am no longer able to fully discharge my mandate, which was to partner you as Westminster SNP leader and as a parliamentarian representing a rural constituency.”
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