Only sitting MSPs may seek nominations to become leader, with Cole-Hamilton the only one to announce their candidacy. The party's executive stated its aim to conduct the election before Holyrood returns from its summer recess.[2]
Nominations for the election opened on 20 July and closed on 20 August.[3]
As only Cole-Hamilton announced his candidacy for the leadership,[4] he was declared the leader of the party on 20 August.[5][6]