Sturgeon Confirms Leadership Bid

Nicola Sturgeon says becoming Scotland's First Minister would be the 'greatest honour and an immense responsibility'

She's announced her intention to stand to be the next leader of the SNP and the next First Minister in the process.

Alex Salmond will officially step down in November after losing the independence referendum last week.

It's understood there are other candidates, but Ms Sturgeon's the only frontrunner.

She's addressed a packed media conference in Glasgow.

"I am announcing today my candidacy to be the next leader of the SNP and the next First Minister of Scotland. I have also notified the SNP National Secretary of my intention to stand down as Depute Leader at the Party conference - thereby allowing a contest for that post to take place in parallel with the election for leader.

"To be the First Minister of my country, especially at this exciting and optimistic time, would be both a great honour - without doubt, the greatest honour - and an immense responsibility.

"I am putting myself forward for two simple reasons: I want to serve my Party and my country. And I believe I am the best person for the job. 

"I also hope that my candidacy, should it succeed, will send a strong message to every girl and young woman in Scotland - no matter your background or what you want to achieve in life, in Scotland in 2014 there is no glass ceiling on ambition."