Scottish Health Minister Hamza Yousaf has announced his candidacy for Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP (Scottish National Party) and regional government.

Youssef became the first to publicly announce his intention to join the race to succeed Sturgeon after her unexpected resignation a few days ago, citing personal reasons.

“I have decided to put forward my candidacy for the next First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP,” tweeted Yusuf, 37, an MP since 2011 who has experience in regional government.

Sturgeon’s deputy prime minister, John Sweeney, 58, has ruled himself out of the succession race, arguing that he wants to make room for a “fresh eye” on the SNP’s goals, including a bid for Scottish independence.

The Scottish National Party has announced that it will choose its new leader within six weeks through a vote of its members, which will end on 27 March. Sturgeon, 52, has announced she will remain at the helm of the Scottish government until a successor is chosen.

Her unexpected resignation raised questions about the SNP’s fight for Scottish independence following the UK High Court’s decision to prevent a new referendum on the issue. In a 2014 referendum, 55% of Scots were in favor of keeping Scotland within the United Kingdom.

Source: APE-ME, REUTERS