SNP MSP Mairi McAllan has ruled herself out of the party's leadership race following reports she was weighing up a run.
The Scottish Environment Minister said having worked with Nicola Sturgeon she knows the "inherent demands and responsibilities of the highest office", adding that "now is not the time".
McAllan said she would continue to promote the voices of women and young people in the party as an MSP.
With the sincerest admiration for @NicolaSturgeon and with thanks to every single person who encouraged me to run and seek to follow in her footsteps, please see my statement on @theSNP leadership contest. pic.twitter.com/sfrDBBqAY4
— Màiri McAllan (@MairiMcAllan) February 19, 2023
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Clydesdale MSP said: "To lead the Scottish National Party, which I care so much about, would be the greatest honour and I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has encouraged me to do so.
"I have thought very seriously about entering the contest.
"I believe it is vital that progressive voices, including those of women and young people, are central to our party, our government and to the Scotland we are seeking to build.
"Our voices matter and they must be heard."
McAllan said it is now on the current generation to deliver independence but said she won't be the one to lead the party.
She continued: "Having been a practising lawyer; human rights campaigner; special adviser; MSP; minister and most importantly an SNP activist for 15 years, I know I can make a significant contribution to this - and I promise to give all my energy doing so and to advancing the wellbeing and prosperity of Scotland and all its people.
"However, for various reasons, at this stage I have concluded that now is not the right time for me to seek the very top job of leading our party and country.
"Having worked closely with Nicola Sturgeon over many years I know well the inherent demands and responsibilities of the highest office. No one should consider it lightly.
"Therefore, for my part, I will continue to work tirelessly to support our leadership, to centre the voices of women and young people in our movement and to apply every ounce of head and heart to advance Scotland's independence.
"And in doing all of this, I shall be guided, always, by the values of fairness, inclusivity, progress and kindness."
It comes after SNP depute leader Keith Brown ruled himself out of the leadership race.
Writing on Twitter, the Scottish Justice Secretary 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.”
Ukraine minister Neil Gray also ruled himself out of running and threw his weight behind Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, who announced his bid to become the party's new leader on Saturday.
He was joined by SNP rebel Ash Regan who put her hat in the ring, saying she wanted to bring back "unity" to the party.
