Brown Launches Deputy Leadership Bid

Minister for Transport and Veterans, Keith Brown, has declared his candidacy for the deputy leadership of the Scottish National Party.

Keith Brown wants to replace Nicola Sturgeon at the party conference in November.

She's standing to take over from Alex Salmond as leader and  First Minister.
 
The Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP was first elected to Holyrood in 2007, having served as leader of Clackmannanshire Council from 1999-2003.
 
Keith Brown said: 

"Today I am asking members of the SNP to support my bid to become Deputy Leader of our Party.
 
"Party Members, local Councillors and my Scottish Parliament colleagues have asked me to stand as Deputy Leader of the SNP, and after careful consideration I have decided to do so.

"The SNP has been privileged to have an outstanding Leader like Alex Salmond, who formed a formidable team with Nicola Sturgeon as Deputy Leader.  I am 100% supportive of Nicola being the next leader of the SNP.

"The rise in membership which the party has been seeing over the last week has been exciting. I see the role of Deputy Party Leader as one which would work with the membership, old and new, to move the Party and Scotland onward. I want to ensure that our vision of a fairer, more equal and prosperous Scotland is delivered.

"Having become politically active during the Thatcher years I understand the difficulties that families in Scotland face today. I am committed to delivering a fairer future for them. 

"While I accept the result of the referendum, I believe that there is a clear majority for Scotland to have much greater powers.  Westminster must meet their vow, and deliver. 

Meanwhile, it's understood Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie will also announce his intention to stand for the deputy position today.