Party president Michael Russell takes interim charge of SNP HQ

Following the decision of Peter Murrell to stand down as chief executive of the SNP with immediate effect, the party's NEC has confirmed that Party President and former chief executive Michael Russell will oversee the operation of SNP Headquarters on an interim and voluntary basis.

Mr Russell takes charge until a new party leader is in place and the process of appointing a permanent replacement is complete.

The election of a new party leader has been overseen throughout by Lorna Finn, the elected National Secretary of the party, and the issuing and counting of ballots is conducted by Mi-Voice a respected independent company.

Commenting, business convener Kirsten Oswald MP said: “Peter has been a key part of the team that has led the SNP to election win after election win and changed the face of Scottish politics.

"He steps down with our appreciation for his many years of service and great electoral success.

“As business convener, I called NEC to meet to take responsibility for ensuring the overall operation of SNP Headquarters and ahead of the election of a new party leader.

“NEC unanimously backed Michael Russell, our widely respected party President and a former chief executive, to take responsibility for day-to-day operations on an interim basis until a new party leader is in place and the process of appointing a permanent replacement is complete. I am pleased to confirm that Michael has agreed to this.

“The leadership election has been overseen entirely by the National Secretary Lorna Finn who is responsible for all party elections, not the chief executive, and as a result these changes have no impact on the operation of the leadership contest.

"The ballots are issued and counted by Mi-Voice, a respected independent company and voting concludes next Monday.

“Throughout this period, I thank the hard working and diligent staff at SNP HQ whose commitment to our party is second to none.”

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