Who will replace Angus Robertson as SNP leader at Westminster?
While the post-election front pages in Scotland were dominated by Alex Salmond’s defeat, the loss of Robertson is much more of a headache for Nicola Sturgeon’s party.
An experienced Commons operator, he regularly won plaudits from across the political spectrum for his forensic grilling of Theresa May during Prime Minister’s Questions.
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Hide AdIt is not yet clear whether Robertson will stay on as depute leader of the SNP. But the party urgently needs to replace the former journalist at the dispatch box.
Here are just some of the runners and riders in contention for the party’s top job at Westminster.
Joanna Cherry
The QC’s name was one of the first to be mentioned after news filtered through that Robertson had lost in Moray.
As the SNP’s justice spokeswoman at Westminster, Ms Cherry has significant experience at dealing with difficult, weighty issues, as well as tangling with Government ministers.
Pros: Has already gained admirers across the chamber for her forceful debating style and managed to hold her Edinburgh South West seat despite strong challenges from both Labour and Conservative.
Cons: Was caught up in a scandal of sorts after mistakenly briefing journalists on the background of a nurse who questioned Nicola Sturgeon during a recent televised debate.
Ms Cherry will need to assure colleagues she has learned her lesson.
Ian Blackford
If Ms Cherry’s achievement in holding her seat was notable, then Ian Blackford’s is arguably even more impressive.
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Hide AdAs SNP seats fell across the Highlands, the former investment banker managed to increase his majority - although his vote share did fall significantly.
Pros: With the economy set to dominate, Mr Blackford’s keen financial mind could be invaluable when challenging the Prime Minister at the SNP’s guaranteed weekly slot at Prime Minister’s Questions.
He is also well-regarded among the party’s MPs, and could be seen as a unity candidate for the remaining 35 parliamentarians to rally around.
Cons: Mr Blackford hasn’t been free from criticism during his short political career after being linked to a company which has been probed over cold-calling.
He remains chairman of the Golden Charter trust though would be expected to give up any outside work if he was elected Westminster leader.
Tommy Sheppard
A left-field choice in more ways than one. The former Labour party official was re-elected to his Edinburgh East seat with a reduced majority, though the fall in his vote share was modest compared to others.
The Northern Irishman is also a strong parliamentary performer and was one of a number of prominent Yes campaigners urged to make the move into elected politics following the referendum in 2014.