Keith Brown's bid to become the new deputy leader of the SNP has won the backing of the youngest member of the Scottish Government's ministerial team.

Humza Yousaf, 29, the ­minister for external affairs and international development, said his Scottish Government colleague was the "ideal candidate" to succeed Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Brown, the transport and veterans minister, has put himself forward for the job after Ms Sturgeon confirmed she was standing for SNP leader and First Minister - a position that will become vacant next month when Alex Salmond steps down.

While no-one is expected to challenge Ms Sturgeon for the top job, Stewart Hosie, the SNP Treasury spokesman at Westminster, has also announced he is standing for the deputy role.

Mr Yousaf said: "Keith Brown is the ideal candidate for deputy leader of the SNP.

"He's trustworthy, charismatic and reliable; a great colleague to have and his experience and knowledge of Scottish politics mean that his advice is always worth taking."

Mr Brown said: "I'm delighted to have Humza's support. We've worked well together in the Scottish Government and I know we both have the best interests of Scotland and the SNP at heart."

He said the party faced challenges the form of in working with the Smith Commission on devolution and dealing with its rapidly expanding membership.