SNP chief executive stands down over party membership issue
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The SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has resigned with immediate effect in a row over party membership.
Mr Murrell, who is married to outgoing party leader Nicola Sturgeon, said he had become a distraction to the leadership race.
The party has been forced to confirm a large drop in its membership numbers, which it had previously denied.
In a statement made this afternoon Mr Murrell said: “Responsibility for the SNP’s responses to media queries about our membership number lies with me as chief executive.
"While there was no intent to mislead, I accept that this has been the outcome.
"I have therefore decided to confirm my intention to step down as chief executive with immediate effect.
“I had not planned to confirm this decision until after the leadership election.
"However as my future has become a distraction from the campaign I have concluded that I should stand down now, so the party can focus fully on issues about Scotland’s future.
"The election contest is being run by the National Secretary and I have had no role in it at any point.
“I am very proud of what has been achieved in my time as chief executive and of the part I have played in securing the electoral success the party has enjoyed over almost two decades.
"14 national election wins is testament to the skills of the dedicated and talented HQ team that I have been privileged to lead.
"They give their all to the Party and the independence cause and I thank them for it.
“I have worked for independence all my life and will continue to do so, albeit in a different capacity, until it is achieved – and I do firmly believe that independence is now closer than ever.“
On Friday, the SNP's head of media at Holyrood, Murray Foote, resigned, saying there were "serious issues" with statements he had issued in "good faith" on behalf of party headquarters.
SNP leadership hopeful Humza Yousaf said: "Peter Murrell has been an outstanding servant of the independence movement and the SNP.
"As I have said repeatedly throughout this campaign, he is the most electorally successful chief executive of any party in the UK and the SNP has been lucky to have him.
"Our election wins from 2007 to 2021 owe much to his political abilities.
"It is vital we all focus on the policies and vision we have for the party, movement and country," he said.
Party leadership candidate Ash Regan said: "Eight years ago was the point where it was unacceptable to have the husband of the party leader as the CEO.
"I am encouraged to see the democratic foundations of the party now asserting their rightful function."
