POSSIBLE RUNNERS AND RIDERS TO SUCCEED DEREK MACKAY AS FINANCE SECRETARY?

KATE FORBES Public Finance and Digital Economy Minister

Just 29 and less than two years in government but the Highland MSP could be in the running for a major promotion after stepping in at the last minute to deliver the budget.

JOHN SWINNEY Education and Skills Secretary

Hugely experienced, having served as finance secretary from 2007 to 2016, the deputy first minister could be a tempting option to steady the ship following Mr Mackay’s resignation.

HUMZA YOUSAF Justice Secretary

Once considered to be one of Mr Mackay’s main rivals in a future contest to succeed Ms Sturgeon in the top job, Mr Yousaf would no doubt relish the chance to prove his credentials by taking on the vital finance job.

MICHAEL MATHESON

Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Secretary

Has survived the difficult transport brief since being appointed in 2018, and has developed a reputation as a safe pair of hands.

SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE

Social Security and Older People Secretary

Close to Ms Sturgeon, she was promoted to the Cabinet in 2018, having previously served as a higher education minister.

KEVIN STEWART

Local Government, Housing and Planning Minister

The Aberdeen Central MSP is another safe pair of hands, having served as local government, housing and planning minister since 2016. Deputy leader and finance convener of Aberdeen City Council before his election to Holyrood in 2011.

RICHARD LOCHHEAD

Further Education, Higher Education and Science Minister

A former cabinet secretary, the Moray MSP held the rural affairs, food and environment brief from 2007 to 2016, when he stepped down after his wife was diagnosed with cancer. He returned to the front line as an education minister in 2018.