Juan Espadas, the Secretary General of the PSOE in Andalusia, has announced he will not seek re-election, paving the way for María Jesús Montero to potentially lead the party.

Espadas, who had initially planned to continue, stated his decision to step aside to support a new leadership that can revitalize the party.

This comes as the PSOE faces internal challenges and seeks to rebuild after losing significant territorial power in recent years.

Montero, currently Spain's Vice President and Minister of Finance, is widely seen as the consensus candidate to take over.

Meanwhile, economist Luis Ángel Hierro has also declared his candidacy, though it remains to be seen if he can gather the necessary support.

The party's 15th Regional Congress in February will finalize the leadership transition.