Murray Foote to stand down as SNP chief executive

Murray Foote has announced his decision to step down as the SNP’s chief executive.

Foote, a former editor of the Daily Record, said he could not make the “necessary personal commitments” to lead the party into the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “I have today confirmed my intention to step down as chief executive of the SNP.

“The party 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 charges 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.”

SNP leader and first minister John Swinney thanked Foote for his “commitment and dedication” to the role.

He added: “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.”

The party's ruling National Executive Committee will meet on Saturday to discuss next steps. Foote is to remain in his role while his successor is found.

He has only been in the role for just over year, having been appointed in August 2023. 

He had been the party's head of communications until March of that year but resigned amid a row over membership numbers.

That row ultimately led to the resignation of Peter Murrell as chief executive, who took responsibility for misleading the media after it had been reported membership was down 30,000.

The Scottish Conservatives have said the announcement is evidence of “chaos and turmoil” within the SNP. 

Chairman Craig Hoy said: “Murray Foote was appointed to bring some calm and order to the party amid a police investigation into their murky finances, and the resignation of his disgraced predecessor Peter Murrell.

“After little over a year, it appears Mr Foote has recognised he was handed a poisoned chalice and understandably concluded he doesn’t need the hassle of running a party mired in controversy and division.”