Murray Foote has announced that he is stepping down as chief executive of the SNP.
The former Daily Record editor replaced Peter Murrell in the role in August last year.
Foote said he was standing down because he “could not make the necessary personal commitment” to leading internal reorganisation ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney said Foote had made a “significant contribution” to the party during his time in the job.
Foote will stay in the role until a successor is appointed.
He became SNP chief executive just months after resigning as the party’s head of media.
He stood down from the role in March last year after the party misled journalists over its membership figures.
Nicola Sturgeon’s husband and then chief executive Murrell resigned a day later as part of the row.
Foote said: “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.
“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.”
Swinney said: “Murray Foote has made a significant contribution to the work of the Scottish National Party during his time as Chief Executive, playing a key role in strengthening the SNP’s headquarters functions and supporting the party as a formidable national organisation.
“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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