Scottish lawmaker Kate Forbes will not run to become Scotland's new leader

Former Scottish finance minister Kate Forbes ruled herself out of the contest to succeed the outgoing Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first minister on Thursday.

"I have concluded that the best way to deliver the urgent change Scotland needs is to join with John Swinney," 34-year old Forbes, who came second to Yousaf in a leadership race last year, said in a statement. "I can therefore today announce that I will not be seeking nomination as the next SNP leader."