Transport Minister Keith Brown is the first to announce his bid to become deputy leader of the SNP.

Mr Brown echoed statements made by leadership contender Nicola Sturgeon on the prospect of another referendum and said he has enjoyed a close working relationship with her.

Ms Sturgeon said she will not endorse any candidate and will allow the party to make a decision on who the deputy should be.

Mr Brown said he joined the party around the same time as Ms Sturgeon and has worked in her department as Transport minister for two years since she became Infrastructure Secretary.

He said: "I've known Nicola Sturgeon since we both joined the party in the 1980s worked in the same portfolio for two years I believe it is a close and good relationship.

Mr Brown said he had the support of more than half the SNP parliamentary group. However, the election will be decided by the membership, which has more than doubled since the referendum to more than 60,000.

On a future referendum, Mr Brown added: "We have just had a referendum, we have to accept the result.

You can't put a time on it, it depends on circumstances and the people."

Dundee MP Stewart Hosie is expected to announce his candidacy later today and others have three weeks to declare.