This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29429784

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Angela Constance to launch SNP deputy leader bid Angela Constance calls on SNP to 'build' independence case
(about 9 hours later)
Scottish Youth Employment Secretary Angela Constance is launching her bid to be SNP deputy leader, with a focus on making the case for independence. The SNP "must continue to build the case" for Scottish independence, Youth Employment Secretary Angela Constance has said.
The MSP will formally announce she is running at an event in her Almond Valley constituency. Launching her campaign to be SNP deputy leader, Ms Constance called on the party to continue to work with the wider pro-independence movement.
She will compete against Transport Minister Keith Brown and SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie for the job. SNP members will take part in a postal vote to choose the new deputy leader.
The contest was triggered by Alex Salmond's decision to stand down as first minister and SNP leader. Ms Constance will compete against Transport Minister Keith Brown and SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie.
The contest was triggered by Alex Salmond's decision to stand down as First Minister and SNP leader.
Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP's current deputy leader, is currently the only candidate to replace him.Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP's current deputy leader, is currently the only candidate to replace him.
Announcing her candidacy at an event in her Almond Valley constituency, Ms Constance argued the party "should remain absolutely focused on independence".
She said: "While we don't know for sure when the opportunity to create an independent Scotland will next arise, nonetheless the SNP must continue to build the case for independence - head, heart and soul.
"The SNP is reinvigorated with tens of thousands of new members who have joined the SNP to campaign for independence.
"There is a new politics in Scotland and while I believe the SNP has a duty to lead the independence campaign, we have to recognise we don't have a monopoly on independence and we have to work hand in glove with the wider 'Yes' movement."
'Move forward'
She added: "I want us to quickly learn the lessons from losing the referendum and to move forward the case for independence building on the participation and talents for all.
"The debate about how we take Scotland forward is not about the Scottish Parliament or Westminster, it's about our party, our members and the wider 'Yes' movement.
"It's not about politicians or parliaments - it's about people."
Ms Constance said she was not seeking the position of deputy first minister, which she said would be "purely in the gift of the new first minister".
Ms Constance, a member of the Scottish cabinet who is also responsible for training and women's employment, has been an MSP since 2007.
The SNP's new leadership team will be announced in November at the party conference in Perth.
Ms Sturgeon has not ruled out the possibility of the SNP including a commitment to hold a second referendum in a future election manifesto.Ms Sturgeon has not ruled out the possibility of the SNP including a commitment to hold a second referendum in a future election manifesto.
But she also expressed her willingness to work with the Smith commission to boost Holyrood's powers, in the wake of the referendum "No" vote.But she also expressed her willingness to work with the Smith commission to boost Holyrood's powers, in the wake of the referendum "No" vote.
Ms Constance, a member of the Scottish cabinet who is also responsible for training and women's employment, has been an MSP since 2007.
The SNP's new leadership team will be decided in a vote by party members and announced in November at the SNP conference in Perth.