A further two MSPs have announced their candidacy to be the next presiding officer at Holyrood**.**

Scottish Labour's Elaine Smith and the Scottish Conservatives' Murdo Fraser are the latest MSPs to declare their candidacy for the Scottish Parliament role.

They join Tory John Scott and Labour's Ken Macintosh and Johann Lamont in the contest, which takes place on Thursday.

In an email to fellow Labour MSPs on Wednesday morning, Smith announced her intention to stand on Thursday for selection.

She believes that after serving as a deputy presiding officer she has the "track record" needed for the role.

Smith said: "In my role as deputy presiding officer, I have undertaken most of the duties associated with the position of presiding officer, both in the chamber and outwith, and have covered the duties of the position during the presiding officer's absence.

"In that regard, I fully understand the pressures, demands and diversity of this vitally important parliamentary position and the responsibility the role carries with it.

"In my previous position of chairing the conveners' group, I have overseen some of the positive changes to committees as part of the wider programme for change in the last session.

"However, I believe that the parliament must continue to evolve, particularly with the new powers that are now coming.

"If elected, I would be keen to discuss any ideas that you may have for improvement and welcome suggestions for change.

"It is crucial that the role of presiding officer is carried out impartially. I believe that I have shown in my position as deputy presiding officer that I would be scrupulously fair to all members of parliament and, in particular, ensure that all backbenchers are given the opportunity to speak and advocate on behalf of their constituents.

"Further, I have a proven track record in maintaining order in the chamber to allow all members, whether government ministers, opposition spokespersons or backbenchers, to contribute fully to proceedings."

The Central Scotland MSP believes she has the"experience, skills and knowledge" for the role.

Smith has been an MSP since the Parliament was reconvened in 1999. She served as the MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston from 1999 until she lost the seat in last Thursday's election.

Despite her defeat she was re-elected on the Central Scotland regional list.

Murdo Fraser announced his candidacy by drawing on his experience in parliamentary committees.

Fraser said he was encouraged to run by MSPs from rival parties.

He said: "Following encouragement from a number of members in different parties, I am today announcing my candidacy to be presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament.

"I have been a member of this parliament for 15 years, in which time I have served as both a front and backbencher in the Conservative group (and deputy leader), and as convener of the economy, energy and tourism committee in the last session.

"I hope that, as committee convener, I demonstrated my ability to chair proceedings in a fair, balanced and non-partisan fashion, and reach decisions in collegiate fashion.

"I am standing to be presiding officer at this time as I believe that I have the knowledge, experience and authority to fulfil the role.

"This parliament is steadily acquiring more powers - a process I have long championed - and we need to ensure that our procedures and processes are adequate to the task of properly scrutinising legislation and holding the Government to account."

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP has proposed a five-point plan to reform Holyrood, which he will undertake if elected to the role: