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Second candidate joins SNP depute race

Although not an MP, MSP, MEP or councillor, Julie Hepburn is well known in the party.

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Julie Hepburn has put herself forward as a candidate in the SNP depute leader race (David Cheskin/PA)

A second candidate has joined the contest to become the SNP’s new depute leader.

Julie Hepburn is the first woman to put her name forward for the role vacated by Angus Robertson.

Ms Hepburn is not in elected office, but she is well known within the party.

Julie Hepburn
Julie Hepburn (Julie Hepburn/PA)

She revealed her intention to stand in an interview with The National newspaper, stating that the SNP should be “in training” for a second independence referendum.

“We need to be doing the preparation and training,” she said.

“We should not be pushing our views, but listening to No voters, or as I like to say, those people who are yet to be persuaded.”

She said she wanted to “co-ordinate policy development” as depute leader.

“We have a lot of very high profile, capable people who can stand in for the First Minister in terms of being the public face of the party, going on television and pushing our arguments,” she said.

“What I want to do is push through the internal reforms which are under way.”

The depute leader role was vacated by former MP Angus Robertson
The depute leader role was vacated by former MP Angus Robertson (Jane Barlow/PA)

Glasgow MSP James Dornan has already announced that he will stand in the depute leadership race.

Westminster leader Ian Blackford has ruled out putting his name forward.

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