SNP appoints Carol Beattie as new chief executive

Carol Beattie has been appointed as the SNP’s new chief executive, the party has confirmed.

She has been acting as the interim chief executive since October, when Murray Foote stood down from the role.

She takes on the job permanently a little over a year out from the election.

SNP business convener Angela Constance said the appointment was a “critical part” of delivering a “professional, modern, dynamic election-winning organisation”.

She added: “The SNP remains the political party for all of Scotland and Carol Beattie’s appointment will ensure we remain equipped for the 2026 election campaign and the journey to Scotland’s independence.”

Foote resigned his position after just 14 months in post, saying he “could not make the necessary personal commitment” to leading it.

It followed a disappointing performance at the general election, when the part lost 39 seats, and a tumultuous year for the party after its former chief executive Peter Murrell was charged with embezzlement.

Murrell had been chief executive since 2001 but resigned in March 2023 following a row relating to membership numbers.

He was arrested in connection with the police probe into the embezzlement of funds from the party the following month and was formally charged a year later.

Beattie, who was previously chief executive of Stirling Council, has overseen several redundancies since she became interim chief executive.

The central headquarters cut its number of staff from 26 to ten at the start of the year.

It is part of a wider drive to reform internal processes in the party.

On her appointment, Beattie said: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed as chief executive of the SNP. I look forward to continuing my work with the SNP HQ team, ensuring the organisation is fighting fit for the 2026 election and beyond.

“Following recent reform, the party’s headquarters functions are in robust shape and I look forward to supporting the party as a formidable national organisation.”