THE SNP is seeking a leader for the first time in a decade following Mr Salmond's resignation.
His successor, who will be nominated at the annual SNP conference in November, will be First Minister until the Holyrood elections in 2016. The process goes as follows:
l Alex Salmond remains First Minister until the SNP nominates a new leader.
l The First Minister is then appointed by royal warrant following a vote by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
l The First Minister is sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in front of the Lord President.
l The new leader will represent Scotland and be responsible for implementing Holyrood policies.
l The First Minister will appoint a Deputy First Minister and cabinet secretaries from among MSPs.
l He or she recommends to the Queen the appointment of the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General.
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