SNP Chief Executive to step down after just over a year

The SNP’s chief executive says he can no longer make the “necessary personal commitment” to the role and will be stepping down after just over a year.

Murray Foote took up the position in August last year after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell had to quit.

The former editor-in-chief of the Daily Record previously served as the SNP’s head of communications but resigned last year after a row over the party’s membership numbers.

Announcing his resignation, Mr Foote said it was in the best interests of the party and himself that he step down.

"I could not make the necessary personal commitment"

He said in a statement: "The SNP has recently embarked on a substantial process of internal re-organisation and renewal to better equip it for current electoral contests and to prepare for the critical Scottish Parliament elections in 2026.

"While I agree these changes are both essential and appropriate, I also recognised after a period of reflection that I could not make the necessary personal commitment to leading the delivery of these changes into 2026 and beyond.

"In the circumstances, I concluded it would be in my best interests and the best interests of the party that I step down to give my replacement the time and space to mould and develop these changes in a manner they deem appropriate."

Mr Foote will remain in his role until a new chief executive is found.

"It would be in my best interests and the best interests of the party"

He said: "I offer my very best wishes to both my successor and to colleagues at party HQ. I will always be grateful for the privilege of holding this post for the past 14 months and I stand ready to offer any assistance requested of me.

"I also believe that in First Minister John Swinney, our party has the right leader at the right time to advance the cause of Scottish Independence and I look to the future with renewed optimism as I support him in that cause."

John Swinney said Mr Foote had made a "significant contribution" to the SNP during his time as chief executive, adding that he played "a key role in strengthening the SNP's headquarters functions and supporting the party as a formidable national organisation".

The First Minister added: "When I became leader of the SNP, I promised to deliver a professional, modern, dynamic election-winning organisation - and Murray's successor will build on the work he has started.

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Murray for his commitment and dedication to the Scottish National Party, and to independence, and I wish he and his family all the best for the future."

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