Keith Brown has ruled himself out of the SNP leadership race as senior Nationalists begin to pick sides.
The justice secretary is the party's depute leader in the party and was thought to be a contender to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
Brown said today he would not be standing despite claiming he had received calls for him to do so from "parliamentary colleagues and senior office bearers".
He said: "I have come to the conclusion that, as depute leader, I can best serve the interests of the SNP by supporting the party through the forthcoming process and providing a degree of continuity as we come to terms with Nicola’s resignation.
"I believe that we can and must move on to the exciting opportunities ahead in building further support for an independent Scotland.
“In doing so, we must never forget our responsibilities to the people of Scotland as their elected government."
Brown said he would not endorse a candidate for the leadership, but other senior party figures have publicly backed the two candidates who declared in the past 24 hours.
MSP Neil Gray also today ruled himself out of running and threw his weight behind Humza Yousaf - who also won support from former minister Graeme Dey and MP Anne McLaughlin.
Gray said: "I have seriously considered, with family and colleagues, whether I am the right person to do that job.
"I have concluded that with my children the age they are, and given I am relatively new to government, now is not the right time for me."
He went on to say that Yousaf "has the skills and experience" for the job.
Public health minister Maree Todd celebrated Yousaf’s announcement, urging him to "go for it" - but did not offer outright support for the Health Secretary’s candidacy.
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