SNP Leadership Contenders Kate Forbes and John Swinney Hold Informal Talks
Two potential SNP leadership contenders, Kate Forbes and John Swinney, held informal discussions on Tuesday.
Both have expressed interest in the role, but have not yet officially announced their candidacy.
Nominations for the position close on Monday, and a contest will be held if more than one candidate receives sufficient support.
The news of their meeting came out on Wednesday, following the Scottish government's survival of a motion of no confidence that could have led to all SNP ministers resigning.
A spokesperson for Forbes confirmed the meeting took place.
Kate Forbes is considering running for SNP leadership and appreciates the increasing support she's receiving.
Forbes previously disagreed with suggestions she wouldn't have enough parliamentary party support, having come in second place in last year's contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
Forbes is listening to advice but hasn't made a decision yet.
John Swinney, a potential leadership candidate, stated he won't be hasty in making decisions that could impact his loved ones and denied any standoff between candidates.
Mr Swinney, the Scottish Finance Secretary, has received support from senior figures in the Scottish National Party (SNP), including Stephen Flynn, Keith Brown, Neil Gray, Shirley-Anne Somerville, and Mairi McAllan.
In contrast, ex-ministers Fergus Ewing, Ivan McKee, and backbench MP Joanna Cherry have publicly backed Ms Forbes in her potential leadership bid.
Ms Forbes has been preparing for this possibility by developing policy positions and gathering resources.