Voting to get under way in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon

The leadership contest is taking place after Ms Sturgeon last month announced she was quitting the job she has had for more than eight years – making her the longest-serving Scottish first minister to date.

Voting opens on Monday in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as the next SNP leader (Andy Buchanan/PA)

Voting in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon and become Scotland’s next first minister will begin later today.

Ballot papers are being sent out to tens of thousands of SNP members, who are tasked with choosing their party’s new leader.