Angela Constance to stand for SNP deputy leader

Angela Constance MSP at last year's SNP Spring conference. Pic: Ian Rutherford

The Scottish Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance is reportedly to become the third person to contest the role, and is set to make an official announcement tomorrow.

The Almond Valley MSP will join Transport Minister Keith Brown and SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie in the race for the job, which has been triggered by Alex Salmond’s decision to step down as first minister and SNP leader.

Current deputy Nicola Sturgeon is expected to be appointed the new SNP leader in a vote by party members.

Ms Constance, who has been an MSP since 2007, was named as Scotland’s first dedicated youth jobs minister in 2011, amid concern about high unemployment rates among young people.

The former social worker and West Lothian councillor was promoted to the Scottish cabinet in 2011.