There are three key names being floated at the moment to take over from Mr Yousaf as SNP leader.

1. Kate Forbes

Ms Forbes came second in last year's leadership contest, losing to Mr Yousaf by just 2,100 votes.

To the right of the SNP on both social and fiscal policy, she received criticism from the left last year for her religious stances on issues like abortion, premarital sex and same-sex marriage.

2. Stephen Flynn

The SNP's leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn is a charismatic and confident character in the Commons, often surpassing both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer's performances.

While Mr Flynn could prove electorally popular, he would have to fight a by-election to become an MSP should he want the top job in Scottish politics.

3. John Swinney

The most experienced candidate for the top job, Mr Swinney served as deputy First Minister to Nicola Sturgeon from 2014 to 2023.

While some want him to merely step up as an interim leader, he will have supporters calling on him to take the job full-time.

During his time as a Scottish government minister, he served as finance secretary under Alex Salmond and education secretary and Covid recovery secretary under Sturgeon.