Murray Foote becomes new SNP chief executive

Murray Foote, the former head of communications for the SNP, has been appointed the party’s new chief executive. 

Following a recruitment process over the summer, Foote fills the gap left by former chief executive Peter Murrell who resigned from the position in March. 

Foote also resigned from his last SNP post that month, hitting out at the party following a row over membership numbers. 

At the time, Foote denied reports than membership had dropped by the thousands only for those reports to be later confirmed true. 

In a resignation statement, Foote said: “Acting in good faith and as a courtesy to colleagues at party HQ, I issued agreed party responses to media enquiries regarding membership. It has subsequently become apparent there are serious issues with these responses. 

“Consequently, I concluded this created a serious impediment to my role and I resigned my position with the SNP group in Holyrood.” 

Murrell resigned from his position the following day. He was later arrested and released without charge in relation to the investigation into the SNP’s finances. 

Foote takes over at an interesting time for the party, with leader Humza Yousaf having pledged to overhaul internal functions and improve transparency. 

A former editor of the Daily Record, Foote is most known for being the man behind The Vow in 2014 which was widely seen as having some sway on the ultimate ‘No’ vote. 

On his appointment – which will commence from Monday – he said: “I am delighted to take up this important role and look forward to helping build the campaign for independence, both by strengthening the SNP's headquarter functions and supporting the party's formidable organisation across Scotland.” 

SNP Business Convener, Kirsten Oswald MP, added: “Murray was an exceptional candidate in a strong field.  

“His managerial experience and skills will enable him to hit the ground running in delivering for SNP members, including leading changes in governance and transparency in party headquarters.”