THE SNP's special conference on the path to indyref2 has been postponed, the party have announced.
It comes as the timetable for the leadership contest was released following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation.
After a meeting of the party’s national executive committee on Thursday night those eying the top job have until February 24 to choose submit their nomination, with the vote open between March 13 and 27.
The results of the contest will be made public as soon as the result is determined, the party said, and after the candidates have been told.
READ MORE: Who is Kate Forbes? SNP minister who could replace Nicola Sturgeon
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf is expected to announce he is running to become Scotland’s next first minister but MP Joanna Cherry has ruled herself out of the battle.
Lorna Finn, the party’s national secretary, said: “I am pleased to confirm that SNP NEC has tonight agreed a timetable for party members to select a new leader of our party and country.
“Nicola has been the outstanding politician of this generation. We are very fortunate that she will remain an SNP MSP and a leading campaigner for an independent Scotland.
“But the SNP is full of talented individuals - and they now have the opportunity to put themselves forward and our new leader will lead us into the final phase of Scotland’s journey towards independence.
“Should there be a contest, with two or more applicants, then the selection of the new leader will be held on a democratic one-member-one-vote basis.
“Nominations for Leader opened at 23:59 on 15 February 2023 and will close at 12:00 on 24 February 2023.
“The ballot will be open at noon on 13 March 2023 and will close at noon on 27 March 2023."
The SNP had planned for members to meet on March 19 to discuss the strategy for a second independence referendum.
Sturgeon had backed the use of the next general election as a de facto referendum.
But the party on Thursday said that would be postponed.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon responds to Andy Murray resignation joke
Finn said: “Democracy is in crisis in the UK right now, but the SNP and Scotland’s future must and will be decided by the ballot box.
“It would be wrong to have a newly elected leader tied to a key decision on how we deliver democracy in Scotland in the face of continued Westminster intransigence.
“Therefore, the party’s Special Democracy Conference, previously planned for Sunday March 19, is postponed.
“SNP Members - the lifeblood of this party and movement - will be updated in due course on details of a rearranged event once the new party leader is in place.”
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel