Newington's Evan Williams looks at what happens next following Kezia Dugdale's resignation as leader of the Scottish Labour Party.

Kezia Dugdale’s resignation as leader of the Scottish Labour Party took everyone by surprise, but keen followers of the political scene in Scotland have come to expect the unexpected from Kezia. In the coming weeks, every flavour of opinion will find expression in explaining her choice, some of the analysis will be preposterous and some closer to the mark but almost all of it will be political posturing of one sort or another.

Kezia became leader of Scottish Labour at a time when the party had been all but wiped out in the 2015 General Election. Taking on a job that was, with some justification, described as the worst job in Scottish politics. It was a characterisation that Kezia never accepted, and she took on the role with a determination and clarity of purpose that some of the more cynical elements of the party sought to dismiss as naiveté. She proved them wrong and leaves at a time when the party is more optimistic and more positive than anyone predicted possible just two years ago.

Deputy Leader Alex Rowley MSP (Mid Scotland and Fife) will step up to serve as acting leader until a new leader can be found. The process will probably take a few months and by convention if Alex intends to stand as leader he would be expected to stand down so that a contest for deputy will be held at the same time.

As always happens in the immediate aftermath of a political resignation lots of names have been mentioned as possible successors, however, serious contenders will take time to reflect and take soundings. Scottish Labour is set for a change which will filter down to the party spokespeople at the Scottish Parliament, and of course through to the selection of candidates for the next Scottish and UK elections.