THE SNP is in a “different situation” this year following Humza Yousaf’s resignation than last year said John Swinney as he considers a leadership bid.

Last year, following Nicola Sturgeon stepping down, Swinney ruled himself out of taking charge stating it was time for a “new generation” to lead.

One year on and Sturgeon’s successor has left a vacancy again and Swinney is “actively considering” putting his name forward.

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The day after Yousaf made his resignation announcement there had yet to be any declarations from either Swinney or Kate Forbes the other likely contender.

Both were gaining pledges of support from backers within the party as two camps appeared to emerge.

When asked what has changed this year, Swinney said: "Events change, don't they? Nothing ever remains the same.

"What's changed is that my party finds itself in a very different and more difficult situation than it found itself in 12 months ago.

"I would not be doing a service to the many, many, many people who have contacted me, asking me to stand, and if I don't think about this properly, it wouldn't be my style to ignore the representations made to me - I'm someone who listens and addresses the points that are put to me and that's exactly what I'm doing just now."

READ NEXT:John Swinney said he will consider standing for SNP leader

He has been backed by Westminster MPs Stephen  Flynn and Ian Blackford. Jenny Gilruth, education secretary said she would support him should he stand.

Meanwhile, Kate Forbes, said she also had support for a bid.

Speaking to the media at Holyrood she said: “It's still early days.

"We'll obviously be considering things over the next few hours and so on, nobody's declared yet, so I think we do still have a bit of time."

Forbes added: "I think for me it's clear I have a groundswell of support amongst the party.

"That was clear from the last contest and clearly we need to weigh up what is in the best interests of the party, the country and my family.

"It's what I've said quite consistently over the last year that if I were to run, those would be the conditions."

The former economy secretary also has support at both Westminster and Holyrood.

She lost last year by 52% to 48% to Yousaf in the final round, after Ash Regan, who is now an Alba MSP, was eliminated.

Fergus Ewing, MSP has been her most vocal supporter and Joanna Cherry MP has also backed her.

Carol Monaghan, Glasgow North West MP, also appeared to support Forbes over Swinney, without naming her, when she said: “Many of those who are rushing to endorse John Swinney (an incredibly popular person within the SNP) for SNP leadership are the same folks that rushed to endorse Humza.

“How about endorsing someone who has wider appeal and who worries our opponents?”

Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South MP, said: “If John Swinney runs he will have my full support.

“His gravitas and seriousness make him head and shoulders above our opponents.

“More importantly, he can lead a renewal of the big electoral coalition of voters we need. Less continuity, more security.”