NEIL Gray MP has become the first current SNP MP to mount a campaign for the Scottish Parliament after a controversial rule change.

Gray, who represents Airdrie and Shotts in Westminster, now aims to become the area's next MSP as incumbent Alex Neil steps down.

Neil was first linked to a potential Holryood campaign last week but made no public statement.

This afternoon he said that was because he wanted to allow the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to determine whether or not the party would seek to run a women-only shortlist as part of its efforts to overturn the Scottish Parliament's gender inequality.

Today it confirmed men are also eligible to run there.

All-women lists will remain in place in certain other areas.

If selected by local branch members, Gray will be required to quit his Westminster seat by March - a move which will prompt a by-election and mean Gray must let his office staff go, and which will leave Gray jobless for the campaign period.

Losing the 2021 contest would also see him out of frontline politics altogether.

He told The National: "It has been a decision that I have made after listening to a number of people, not least my family, my staff and local branch members.

"What made my mind up was the enthusiasm shown for me doing this.

"We can't take anything for granted in this election. It will be an election about Scotland's future, we know the other parties will throw everything they've got at it.

"There is nothing more important than this country's future - this is what we are in the SNP for."

He went on: "There is a personal risk. I have a young family. But the idea of job security in politics is just not there - any decision is a risk."

In a statement posted on social media, Gray, the SNP's work and pensions spokesperson in the House of Commons, said following in Neil's stead would be "the honour of his life".

The two men share offices in Airdrie and Gray said the retirement of the veteran MSP and other long-term public servants including Sandra White, Michael Russell and Bruce Crawford means any new politicians must bring with them "experience".

Gray said Neil "leaves big shoes to fill", but he has "worked closely with him for many years".

And the MP says he will be committed to fulfilling his role in London if the branch backs someone else.

Local councillor Paul Di Mascio has already declared he is seeking the nomination.

He told this newspaper: "If the branch descides I am not best placed to stand to represent Airdrie and Shotts, I will respect that.

"I would expect a contest, I have nothing to fear from that."

Gray was not one of the MPs to sign a recent letter leaked to The National challenging the new "double mandate" rule brought in by the NEC.

Those who did sign said they were not motivated by a personal ambition to run.

It is not yet known if any others will also announce a similar bid.