SNP chief executive Murray Foote to step down as John Swinney hails 'significant contribution'

SNP chief executive Murray Foote has announced he will stand down.

He said in a statement he could not make the “necessary personal commitment” to delivering change in the party ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

The former Daily Record editor was appointed to the role in a surprising move in 2022 after previously resigning as the party’s head of communications in a row with former chief executive – and Nicola Sturgeon’s husband – Peter Murrell over membership numbers.

“The SNP has recently embarked on a substantial process of internal reorganisation and renewal to better equip it for current electoral contests and to prepare for the critical Scottish Parliament elections in 2026,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

Foote will stay in the role until a successor is appointed.

Murray Foote was praised by First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney, who hailed his “significant contribution” to the party.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Foote said he would “always be grateful” for being given the role, adding: “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.”