FORMER government minister Stewart Stevenson could become the SNP's new national secretary as incumbent Angus MacLeod steps down.
Party papers reveal MacLeod will not seek re-election to the role this month.
Marco Biagi, ex-local government minister, has already put himself forwards as a potential replacement.
Now one-time transport minister Stevenson's candidacy is revealed in information posted on the party's website.
Stevenson, who will leave Holyrood at the end of this parliament, is one of several hopefuls to put their hat in the ring for the unpaid position.
READ MORE: SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson to step down before Holyrood election
Others include David Henry, who has launched a legal action over the controversial "dual mandate" rule which was enacted this year and prevents sitting MPs from standing for Holyrood without first quitting Westminster. East Lothian activist Morgwyn Davies, who has accused MacLeod of abusing his power, also wants the role.
With two women in the running – Lorna Finn and Highland councillor Kirsteen Currie – the party could also elect the first female to the role since Chrissie McWhirter vacated it in 1979.
Those voted in since then include John Swinney, Stewart Hosie and Patrick Grady.
Lorna Finn, a former branch convener who works as office manager to Ivan McKee MSP, says the party is “long overdue” another woman in the role.
The change of leadership will come after a year in which the national secretary and national executive committee have come under criticism for their handling of election rules and other matters. This includes the set-up of all-women lists in some areas and the move to block MPs from running for Holyrood without first quitting their Westminster seats, as well as the rejection of a debate on an indyref2 "Plan B" at this month's conference.
In addition to the national secretary bid, Biagi is also seeking selection for the SNP in Edinburgh Central for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Announcing his departure from frontline politics, Stevenson said that until Scotland is a "normal, independent country" he would "continue to lend my efforts wherever and whenever I can".
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