PA MediaScotland’s former constitution secretary Mike Russell has been named as the political director of the SNP’s independence unit.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the appointment on Saturday, after it was approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
She said that Russell would oversee the development of the SNP’s independence campaign.
Russell stepped down as an MSP ahead of the Holyrood election in May, having served as the member for Argyll and Bute since 2011.
He is also currently the president of the SNP, a position which he took up in November last year.
On Twitter, the First Minister wrote: “Delighted that @theSNP National Executive Committee has approved my nomination of Mike Russell @Feorlean as political director of the HQ independence unit.
“He will oversee the development of the party’s independence campaign, as we look ahead to #indyref2 later in this Parliament.”
Russell added: “Pleased to take on political direction of the independence work & grateful to @NicolaSturgeon & #NEC Look forward to working with the vast range of enthusiastic talent, within & outwith the party, which is committed to a positive, inclusive – & successful – #indyref2 campaign.”
Responding to the appointment, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross Tweeted: “Of course. Yesterday’s man is the obvious choice if you want to drag us back to 2014.
“@ScotTories are focused on rebuilding Scotland for the next generation, not reigniting the bitter divisions of the past.”
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