SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell resigns with immediate effect | Scottish politics

Peter Murrell, chief executive of the Scottish National Party and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, has resigned with immediate effect.

Reports had suggested that Murrell had been threatened with a vote of no confidence and ordered to resign by the end of Saturday.

It follows the departure of SNP media chief Murray Foote, who left on Friday amid a row over the party’s membership numbers.

In a statement, Murrell said: “Responsibility for the SNP’s responses to media queries regarding our membership number rests with me as Chief Executive. Although there was no intention to mislead, I accept that this was the result. I have therefore decided to confirm my intention to step down as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

“I had planned to confirm this decision only after the leadership election. However, as my future has become a distraction from the campaign, I have concluded that I must step down now, so that the party can focus fully on matters concerning the future of Scotland.

“The electoral contest is run by the national secretary and I played no part in it at any time.”