Nicola Sturgeon named next leader of Scottish National Party to replace Alex Salmond in November

Mr Salmond will step down at the SNP conference, having failed to persuade Scotland to vote for independence

Alex Salmond fell on his sword last month, making Nicola Sturgeon the clear frontrunner to replace him (AFP)

Nicola Sturgeon has been named to succeed Alex Salmond as the next leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), after she was named as the sole candidate for the party’s leadership elections.

Mr Salmond will step down as SNP leader at its conference in November, having secured Scotland the promise of further devolution but failed to lead the country to independence in last month’s referendum.

The SNP’s National Secretary Patrick Grady announced Ms Sturgeon as the only nominee for the post of leader this morning.

Three candidates have been nominated to replace Ms Sturgeon as deputy leader, the MSPs Keith Brown and Angela Constance and the MP Stewart Hosie.

Hailing Ms Sturgeon’s selection as the party’s next leader, MSP Derek Mackay said: “I am delighted… she will be a fantastic new leader of both the party and our country.

“[Ms Sturgeon] will build on the substantial legacy and extraordinary achievements of Alex Salmond as the longest serving First Minister, and make her own mark as she leads Scotland forward.

“Where there was deep disappointment at not winning the referendum, there is now a real focus on ensuring that Westminster delivers on its vow to deliver extensive new powers for Scotland, so that we can build a fairer and more prosperous country.”